Stone-pelting reported during Shivaji Jayanti procession in Karnataka’s Bagalkot; police on high alert, 8 arrested

BAGALKOT: At least eight people have been arrested after tensions erupted in Bagalkot’s old town on Friday during the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti procession, when stones were reportedly pelted near Panka Masjid as the rally passed through the area.Prakash Arakeri, a Hindu activist and a police constable were allegedly injures in the incident.SP Siddharth Goyal confirmed that two stones were pelted at procession when it was passing at Panka Masjid. "We are verifying videos related to the incident and nab culprits soon. We have deployed security personnel across the city and the situation is under control" he added.SP said that Tanzim, who pelted stones, and the other 7 people, who tried to obstruct police from discharging their duties, are arrested.Meanwhile, some miscreants set fire to three push carts at a nearby market during the incident.Acting swiftly, police personnel doused the fire. It is said that some vegetables, cash and other commodities, preserved in the carts, were burnt in the incident. Jannatabi, a woman was seen crying at burnt carts saying she lost her cash.Condemning the incident, Hindu activists demanded Northern IGP should visit the city. "If culprits are not arrested, we will observe Bagalkot bandh" they warned.Assistant commissioner Santosh Jagalasara has issued prohibition order in the city till Feb 24, midnight.