Chikkamagaluru: A fresh controversy has erupted in Chikkamagaluru after miscreants allegedly damaged large banners put up by Hindu organizations ahead of the Datta Jayanti celebrations. The incident has sparked outrage among pro-Hindu groups and raised concerns over attempts to disturb communal harmony in the sensitive I.G. Road area.
As preparations intensify for the annual Datta Jayanti celebrations scheduled for December 2, 3, and 4, various Hindu organisations across the city have erected banners and publicity flexes announcing the event. These banners—many of them featuring images of Dattamaladharis in uniform—were installed at key junctions to invite devotees and promote the festivities.
However, tension gripped the city when it came to light that several of these banners placed in front of the Urdu School on I.G. Road had been deliberately slashed using a blade. The area is considered one of the most sensitive localities in Chikkamagaluru, and the act immediately raised suspicions of a deliberate attempt to provoke religious sentiments.
Deliberate mischief in a sensitive zone
According to locals and members of Hindu organizations, the banners were not randomly damaged but were intentionally cut in a manner that targeted religious images and symbols. Activists said the timing of the act—just days before the Datta Jayanti procession—indicates an attempt to create communal disturbance and disrupt peace.
A crowd gathered soon after the incident became public, and the atmosphere grew tense as anger spread among the activists. Police teams from the Chikkamagaluru City Police Station rushed to the spot to prevent the situation from escalating.
Senior officers held discussions with community members and assured swift action, requesting the public to maintain calm.
Police take up suo motu case, examine CCTV footage
The police have registered a suo motu FIR and started an investigation. CCTV cameras installed along the stretch of I.G. The road is being examined to trace the movement of the suspects.
Sources said several cameras have captured activity near the banners, and police are now closely analyzing the footage for facial and vehicle identification. Additional teams have been deployed around the city as a precaution to prevent further incidents.
Police officials stated that damaging religious posters or symbols, particularly in a communally sensitive area, is a serious offense and will be dealt with strictly. They emphasized that any attempt to disturb the peace ahead of Datta Jayanti will be met with strong legal action.
Datta Jayanti preparations continue amid concerns
Datta Jayanti, an important religious event in the region, attracts thousands of devotees every year to Chikkamagaluru’s Datta Peetha. With the celebration just days away, organizers fear that such incidents could create unnecessary tension and overshadow the event.
Members of Hindu organizations urged the administration to increase patrolling, maintain law and order, and ensure a peaceful environment for the upcoming religious gathering.
Public demands stronger preventive measures
Residents, too, have expressed disappointment and concern. Many believe that the district administration must adopt stricter preventive measures to curb provocative activities in communally sensitive pockets. Locals have urged authorities to enhance surveillance, install more CCTV cameras, and take decisive action against mischief-mongers.
They warned that even small acts of vandalism could trigger larger conflicts if not handled promptly and sensitively.
