Security tightened in Bagalkot ahead of Hindu Horata Samiti protest today

Bagalkot: Hindu Horata Samiti will hold a protest Thursday demanding the arrest of those who threw stones during the Shivaji Jayanti procession, prompting police to enforce heavy security across Bagalkot.Hindu organisations have sought the arrest of the president and members of the Pankha Mosque in connection with the Feb 19 stone-pelting incident. They had initially planned to protest in front of the Amba Bhavani Temple in the Killa area. With prohibitory orders extended till Feb 28, the venue was shifted to the district administration office premises. Prohibitory orders were lifted in Navanagar, and the protest will begin at 10.30am.
Barricades were set up near Old Bagalkot Police Outpost, the old post office, the Pankha Mosque and the Kothaleshwar Temple. Police are checking all those entering the area. Additional CCTV cameras were installed in the Killa area. A special task force from Mangaluru arrived in the city, with over 50 officers assisting in security. Police also conducted a route march on Wednesday to instil confidence among citizens.Five SPs, 12 DSPs, 32 CPIs and 75 PSIs will oversee security. Over 1,500 personnel were deployed. Police will monitor Old Bagalkot, Navanagar and Vidyagiri. Additional forces were stationed at the district administration office where the protest is scheduled. The sale of liquor in the city is banned from midnight on Feb 25 to midnight on Feb 26 to maintain law and order.A police complaint was filed against 10 people, including Siddhaling Swamiji, state president of the Shiv Sena party, for allegedly making provocative statements. In Bagalkot, Mudhol, Banahatti, Jamkhandi, Guledagudda and Mahalingpur, 10 FIRs and 27 PAR cases were registered. Those booked include social media group admins.