BENGALURU: A tense atmosphere gripped Khadak Galli in Khadebazar area of Belagavi on October 3, night after fanatic youths allegedly hurled stones at Hindu houses during the annual Urus procession. What began as a religious event soon spiraled into communal unrest, rekindling concerns over Belagavi’s recurring sectarian tensions.
Late night, panic spread through Khadak Galli as stones littered the streets and terrified residents stood outside their homes. Senior police officers, including City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase and DCP Narayan Bharamani, rushed to the spot and inspected the area. The officers later assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the violence.
According to locals, the Mabusubani Dargah Urus procession, which takes place annually, deviated from its traditional route this year. Normally, the procession passes through Jalgara Galli and Shanbari Koota Galli, but on Friday, it was taken through Khadak Galli, a lane predominantly inhabited by Marathi-speaking Hindus. Crucially, this change was made without police permission, a move that has now come under sharp criticism.
Eyewitnesses alleged that during the procession, a group of Muslim youths began shouting slogans such as “I Love Mohammed.” Local Hindus, who found the provocative slogan inappropriate in the context of a mixed neighbourhood, reportedly questioned the group. This exchange quickly escalated, and within moments, stones were pelted at Hindu homes and shops.
Residents claim that some participants in the procession not only engaged in stone pelting but also brandished swords and indulged in hooligan-like behaviour, threatening to turn the situation into a full-scale riot. “They came shouting slogans and throwing stones without any reason. Our families were frightened, and children were crying inside the houses,” said a resident, still shaken by the night’s events.
Police personnel on duty in nearby areas quickly intervened to prevent the violence from spreading. Additional forces, including Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) units, were deployed overnight to restore calm and maintain security in the area.
Commissioner Bhushan Borase, speaking to reporters later, said, “A clash occurred between two groups during the Urus procession. The route taken was not the one approved by the police. Locals have lodged complaints about stone pelting, and we will verify all the details. Those found guilty will face strict legal action.” He added that, fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, although the situation remained tense for several hours.
This incident has once again exposed the simmering communal fault lines in Belagavi, a city that has frequently witnessed flare-ups over religious and linguistic issues. Despite repeated assurances from authorities, peace remains fragile, with even minor provocations threatening to disrupt harmony.
Meanwhile, this is not the first time that the “I Love Mohammed” slogan has sparked communal discord in Karnataka. Just days ago, a similar controversy in Karl Marx Nagar, Davangere, led to violent clashes and stone pelting after a flex banner with the same phrase was allegedly torn down. Miscreants reportedly used social media to spread false rumours, intensifying tensions between communities.
The “I Love Mohammad” slogan campaign, which originated in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, as a form of religious expression, has since spread to various parts of India. However, in several regions, including Karnataka, it has increasingly become a flashpoint for communal polarisation, with fundamentalist elements using it to provoke and create unrest.
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