Davanagere on high alert ahead of Eid Milad procession

Pic: In Davanagere, police are closely monitoring sensitive areas

Davanagere: Davanagere police are on high alert ahead of Friday's Eid Milad procession following recent tensions sparked by the removal of controversial banners.

The alert coincides with the ongoing Ganesha idol immersion festivities, prompting the administration to tighten security in view of simultaneous religious events. Last year's Ganesha idol immersion had witnessed communal violence in parts of the city, prompting authorities to adopt stringent security measures this year.

Law enforcement agencies, in coordination with the municipal corporation and festival organisers, are focusing on maintaining law and order, managing traffic, reducing noise and environmental pollution and ensuring peaceful processions.

Police are closely monitoring sensitive areas, particularly after multiple disturbances were reported three days ago. Multiple issues were reported during the same festival last year. Security deployment has been intensified along the key routes of the procession.

The situation escalated earlier this week when a controversial banner was removed. The detention of Hindu Jagarana Vedike leader Satish Poojari on Friday night triggered a series of confrontations between pro-Hindu activists and police personnel.

Last year, the Ganesha idol procession saw stone-pelting incidents in Azad Nagar and two other city points.

On Thursday, the Vinobha Nagar Ganesha idol immersion was held, and Davanagere MP Prabha Mallikarjun flagged off the procession.

With DJs banned this year, several organisers turned to traditional folk troupes for the Ganesha idol immersion celebrations. However, the move sparked political criticism. BJP leaders criticised the district administration's decision, and an FIR was lodged against former minister MP Renukacharya after he publicly announced plans to defy the order.

As the Muslim community prepares to observe Eid Milad with a procession on Friday, police have assured that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure smooth conduct of events.