The tense situation eased in Shivamogga’s Bangarappa Colony on the outskirts of Ragigudda after an attempted murti desecration had led to arrests and calls for the demolition of an illegal building linked to the controversy.
District Superintendent of Police Mithun Kumar confirmed that two men, Mohammed Seyyed and Niyamat, have been arrested for allegedly attempting to vandalise an murti placed at the site. Both accused have been remanded to judicial custody as the police continue to investigate the motives behind the incident and any broader conspiracy.
Speaking to reporters, SP Mithun Kumar warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone who breaks the law or attempts to spread false information about the incident. “A case has been registered under relevant sections, including atrocity charges for actions targeting Dalits. Our teams are also investigating the circumstances, including the role of the person who is constructing the illegal building at the location,” he said.
Police sources stated that during the preliminary investigation, it became apparent that the site was an under-construction house where suspicious activity was occurring, including frequent visits by people and the alleged sale of ganja.
The DySP and an exceptional team of officials have begun verifying whether the building’s owner or other local elements were involved in instigating the act of desecration. “We are gathering all possible evidence. No one will be spared if found guilty,” the SP added firmly.
Meanwhile, the political temperature around the incident has risen. Shivamogga City BJP MLA Channabasappa, along with local party workers, met the Municipal Corporation Commissioner and submitted a formal request demanding the demolition of the illegal building.
Speaking to the media, MLA Channabasappa said, “We have demanded the strictest punishment for those who removed the murtis and threw them into the drain. This is not only about the murtis desecration but also about a blatant illegal construction that should not exist. People with vested interests have been misusing this building to remove these murtis from the site, claiming they should not be in front of their houses. It is an unpardonable crime. Since the building is illegal, we have requested the Municipal Commissioner to demolish it immediately.”
Responding to these demands, Shivamogga City Municipal Commissioner Mayanna Gowda clarified that the site falls under the 8th area of the Municipal Corporation. “An attempt was made to remove two murtis temporarily installed there. There is an unfinished building opposite the murtis. This building is illegal. We have received multiple complaints to vacate it,” he confirmed.
He further explained that a civil dispute related to the construction is pending before the court. Still, he added that the administration is prepared to take action under the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act. “This is a privately constructed building on Survey No. 172. Even though it is unauthorised, we have to act according to Section 187 of the Municipal Act to vacate it. As per procedure, a notice has to be served under Section 187(1) and the concerned engineer must submit a report under Section 182(2). We will complete these formalities on priority,” the Commissioner said.
He also noted that the surveyor, revenue inspector, and engineer have verified the construction’s status and confirmed that it lacks proper permissions. “We will obtain all supporting documents to ensure the demolition process is legally robust and cannot be challenged unnecessarily,” he said.
Meanwhile, police presence has been increased in Bangarappa Colony and the Ragigudda area to prevent any further tension. Community leaders have been asked to cooperate with the administration and refrain from spreading rumours that could disrupt peace.
