Bhatkal (Uttara Kannada): Communal tension has once again gripped the sensitive coastal town of Bhatkal after a newly reconstructed Murinakatte near Venkatapur along National Highway 66 was allegedly vandalised by a large mob of Islamists on May 24, Sunday night. The incident has triggered outrage among Hindu organisations and led to a tense atmosphere across the town, forcing the administration to impose prohibitory orders in Bhatkal town and Jali Panchayat limits till May 27.
According to local sources, the Murinakatte, which held deep religious significance for Hindus in the region, had been reconstructed earlier in the day by Hindu activists after years of disputes linked to the ongoing widening of National Highway 66. However, by night, thousands of youths from another community reportedly gathered near the site, raised slogans, blocked the highway and partially demolished the structure in front of police officials.
Authorities have now banned the gathering of more than five people in the affected areas as a precautionary measure. The situation in Bhatkal continues to remain extremely sensitive, with heavy police deployment across communally sensitive pockets.
Murinakatte: A flashpoint for communal tensions in Bhatkal
The Murinakatte dispute has remained a major flashpoint in Bhatkal ever since the highway expansion project began nearly four years ago. The structure, located near Navayath Colony along the highway, was believed to be a centuries-old place where devotees traditionally performed rituals linked to Goddess Mariamma. During the road widening works, the original structure was removed, sparking resentment among Hindu groups who repeatedly demanded its reconstruction at the same spot.
Despite several rounds of discussions and repeated appeals to both the taluk and district administration, no concrete action had reportedly been taken to rebuild the structure. Hindu organisations maintained that the Murinakatte was not merely a physical structure but a symbol of faith and religious tradition for the local Hindu community.
The issue became more contentious after allegations surfaced that a member of another community had begun constructing a house by encroaching upon land behind the Murinakatte site. Hindu activists strongly objected to the alleged encroachment and insisted that the original religious structure must first be restored.
On May 24, Sunday morning, despite heavy rainfall, hundreds of Hindu activists gathered at the site and reconstructed the Murinakatte with religious rituals and traditional prayers. Police personnel were deployed in the area to prevent any untoward incidents. Although leaders from another community and members of Majjise Islah Wa Tanzim reportedly objected to the reconstruction, the structure remained intact during the day amid tight security arrangements.
As tensions escalated, Bhatkal Sub-Divisional Officer J. Mahesh convened a peace meeting and clarified that the land belonged to the highway authorities and was technically considered encroached government property. Sources said that representatives from the opposing community initially agreed during the discussions, creating hope that the situation would remain under control.
However, the atmosphere turned volatile late at night when thousands of Islamists youths reportedly assembled near the site. Eyewitnesses said the crowd shouted slogans and blocked vehicular movement on National Highway 66, causing panic among commuters and local residents. Even as Superintendent of Police M. Deepan and DYSP Girish attempted to pacify the crowd and hold negotiations, some members of the mob allegedly attacked the Murinakatte using iron rods and damaged portions of the newly reconstructed structure in the presence of senior police officers.
The alleged vandalism has triggered anger among Hindu organisations, which accused the administration of failing to protect the religious structure despite prior warnings about possible unrest. Several Hindu leaders questioned how such a large mob was allowed to gather and damage the structure despite the presence of heavy police security.
Following the incident, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 in Bhatkal town and Jali Panchayat areas from May 25 to May 27. Authorities have prohibited public gatherings, processions, and assembly of more than five people in an attempt to prevent further escalation.
Police have intensified security arrangements across the town, especially in communally sensitive areas. Senior district officials are continuously monitoring the situation, while intelligence teams have also been deployed to prevent rumours and provocative social media content from further inflaming tensions.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragile communal situation in Bhatkal, a coastal town that has witnessed several sensitive communal flashpoints in the past. With both communities remaining emotionally charged over the Murinakatte issue, the administration faces a major challenge in restoring normalcy and preventing further violence.
