Belagavi: The Belagavi police registered a suo moto case in connection with violent protest and stone pelting incidents on Tuesday. The ongoing protest by the Lingayat Panchamasali community in Belagavi demanding 2A reservation turned violent. During the protest, stone pelting occurred, resulting in injuries to 17 individuals, including a police inspector. Several public and police vehicles were damaged, and the police have filed a case against those responsible for the violence.
The protesters, led by Basavajayamrityunjaya Swamiji of Kudalasangama, have been advocating for reservation for the Panchamasali community for years. As part of their protest, they attempted to block the Suvarna Soudha with a tractor rally, but it was called off after discussions with the district administration. However, the situation escalated on Tuesday when the protesters tried to approach the Suvarna Soudha despite the police setting up barricades to prevent them.
When the protesters tried to breach the barricades and enter, tensions escalated, and the police resorted to baton charge to disperse the crowd. In retaliation, the protesters began throwing stones, which led to injuries to the police officers and damage to several vehicles, including seven government buses and three police vehicles.
In response to the violence, the police have filed an FIR against five individuals—Ningappa Band, Ramgouda Fakiragouda, Umesh Ingalevaar, Manjunath Bendigeri, and Manjunath Gummagol—accusing them of assault, causing serious injuries, attempting murder, and damaging public property. The charges filed against them include sections of the IPC related to public mischief, assault, and rioting.
Swamiji and the Panchamasali community members have been protesting for 2A reservation for some time. The issue gained momentum during the legislative session in Belagavi, where the community members protested outside the Suvarna Soudha. Several prominent figures, including BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil, Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, and BJP State President BY Vijayendra, participated in the protest. On Tuesday, the community leaders had planned to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister, but the police prevented them from reaching the Suvarna Soudha.
The protest turned violent when the police intervened to stop the protesters from entering the area, leading to the baton charge and the subsequent stone pelting. The violence has intensified tensions between the community and the government, with further protests expected in the coming days.
Swami alleged police behind stone pelting
The Panchamasali community has been fighting for 2A reservation for the last four years, holding peaceful protests throughout. Despite their efforts, the community claims that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has not responded to their appeals. Swamiji Basavajayamrityunjaya, a prominent leader from the Kudalasangama Basavajaya mrityunjaya Swamiji Ashram, expressed dissatisfaction and frustration over the lack of support from the Chief Minister.
In a press conference held in the city on Wednesday, Swamiji stated that they had been peaceful in their fight, including a protest near Suvarna Soudha where they demanded justice. The community’s leaders have faced constant threats from the police. The district authorities issued a ban on the entry of tractors for rallies, and during one such rally near Kondaskoppa, the community tried to exert pressure on CM Siddaramaiah, he said.
Swamiji criticised CM Siddaramaiah’s government, accusing the police of using pre-planned violence against the community. According to Swamiji, when the community members approached the government with their demands, they were met with aggression. He pointed out that some police officers in civilian clothes had thrown stones, and the authorities carried out attacks on peaceful protesters. He stated that these actions were instigated by the government with the intention of targeting the Lingayat community.
Swamiji further emphasized that such violence against the Lingayat community had a historical precedent, referencing past incidents where Lingayats were attacked. He demanded an apology from the government for its actions and urged the authorities to take action against the police officers who were involved in the assault.
“The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) himself was involved in the baton charge,” Swamiji added. “Such acts were meant to intimidate and create fear, but we will not be silenced. We are prepared to continue our fight for justice.”
The leader also criticized CM Siddaramaiah for misleading the public by claiming that he had invited the community for talks. “If the CM had truly wanted a dialogue, he could have communicated through the media or through a person like Hebbalkar. Instead, he has attempted to mislead the people,” Swamiji stated.
Swamiji clarified that the community is not against any particular individual but is demanding rightful reservation. If the government does not provide 2A reservation, they are prepared to accept 2D reservation as an alternative.
He further called for a statewide protest on December 12, stating that demonstrations will take place in districts, taluks, and villages. Swamiji announced that he would be leading a dharna (sit-in) at Hirebagewadi and Hattargi Toll. “Our struggle will not stop,” he affirmed, adding that the agitation would escalate if the government continued to ignore their demands.
The Panchamasali community is pushing for equal treatment and justice, and their fight for 2A reservation remains a critical issue. The protests have also raised concerns about the government’s approach to handling the situation. Swamiji’s message is clear: they will not back down until their demands are met, and they urge the CM to address the issue promptly.
The community leaders have also called for a review of the cases against their members, and the police officers involved in the violence should face strict actions. “We will continue to raise our voices in the assembly,” Swamiji declared, urging the legislators to stand up for the community’s rights.
As the protests gain momentum, all eyes will be on the government’s response and whether a solution can be reached for the Panchamasali community’s long-standing demands.
