KALBURGI: A fresh controversy has erupted at the Ladle Mashak Dargah in Aland town of Kalaburagi district after Hindu leaders alleged that the structure of a Shivlinga inside the shrine premises had been altered. The allegation surfaced soon after a Maha Shivaratri pooja was conducted at the site under court permission and tight police security.
The dargah, which has been a subject of dispute for several years, has often been compared in public discourse to the sensitive Gyanvapi Mosque issue. The presence of what Hindu groups claim is the Sri Raghava Chaitanya Shivling within the dargah complex has led to repeated legal and political confrontations.
On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, the Karnataka High Court granted conditional permission to 14 Hindu representatives to perform pooja at the disputed site. The court allowed rituals to be conducted between 2 pm and 8 pm, directing authorities to ensure law and order.
Following the court’s order, a delegation comprising Andola Siddalinga Swamiji, BJP leader Harshanand Guthedar, petitioner Sidramayya Hiremath and Gurushant Tengali, among others, entered the shrine at around 2.35 pm amid heavy security arrangements. The group performed traditional rituals, including jalabhisheka, the offering of bilva leaves, and panchamruta abhisheka, for nearly 50 minutes before exiting the premises.
However, shortly after the pooja, petitioner Sidramayya Hiremath alleged that the Shivling’s appearance and shape were different from earlier occasions. Addressing reporters, he claimed that certain cleaning or maintenance activities may have been carried out inside the shrine without informing Hindu representatives. He demanded a detailed investigation to ascertain whether any alteration had taken place.
“We thank the High Court and district administration for granting permission and ensuring security. However, we observed that the Shivlinga’s structure seems changed. There should be a transparent inquiry into this matter,” he said.
Harshanand Guthedar also made strong remarks, alleging that Hindu religious rights were being repeatedly curtailed. Referring to tensions in 2022, he claimed that previous attempts to perform rituals and purification at the site had led to unrest. He further alleged that devotees had to approach courts year after year to secure permission for pooja.
The allegations quickly intensified discussions in Aland and the surrounding areas. Parts of the town reportedly observed an unofficial shutdown as a precautionary measure. Anticipating possible tension, authorities had made elaborate security arrangements well in advance.
Under the supervision of senior police officials, Section 144 was imposed across Aland town to prevent unlawful assembly. More than 1,500 police personnel, including units from KSRP and DAR, were deployed in and around the dargah. Over 40 CCTV cameras were installed for surveillance, and four advanced drone cameras were used to monitor the situation from the air. Checkpoints were set up at all major entry routes to the town to regulate movement and prevent any escalation.
Police officials stated that the pooja concluded peacefully and no untoward incidents were reported. They added that law and order remain under control. However, district authorities have not yet officially commented on the specific allegation regarding any alteration to the Shivlinga’s structure.
Meanwhile, in Kalaburagi city, members of certain Hindu organisations staged protests demanding permission to perform pooja at another Shivlinga located inside the Bahmani fort complex. Police detained several protestors as a preventive measure to maintain peace.
