Haveri: Tension has risen in Shiggaon following an incident in which an Islamist reportedly urinated on the premises of the historic Anjaneya Swamy and Banni Mahakali temple, triggering protests and demands for strict action.
Sri Ram Sene founder Pramod Muthalik has called for a Shiggaon bandh on August 26, coinciding with Eid Milad, to protest the incident. Hindu organisations have condemned the alleged act and demanded stringent action against the accused.
The incident reportedly occurred at the temple complex near the taxi stand in Shiggaon. According to residents, a youth identified as Zafar allegedly urinated on the temple premises. When some youths questioned him, he allegedly abused them.
Residents subsequently caught the youth and handed him over to the police. They demanded that the authorities take strict action and ensure that similar incidents do not recur.
The incident has since become a contentious issue in the town, with Hindu organisations accusing the authorities of failing to prevent acts that could hurt religious sentiments.
Speaking to mediapersons in Shiggaon, Muthalik strongly condemned the incident and demanded severe punishment for the accused. He also questioned what the reaction would have been had a similar incident taken place at a place of worship belonging to another community.
Muthalik also questioned Shiggaon MLA Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan about the incident and sought an explanation. He alleged that the accused had described his act as a “birthday gift” to the MLA, and demanded that the statement be investigated.
He further alleged that the incident could have wider links and called for a detailed investigation into the possible role of local religious and political figures. He also raised allegations about people from Hanagal being brought to Shiggaon illegally and enrolled as voters, and demanded that the authorities investigate the matter separately.
The Sri Ram Sene leader urged the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police to ensure that the accused was not released on bail and that the case was investigated thoroughly.
The incident has also led to demands for greater security around temples in the town. Hindus said places of worship should be protected from acts that could provoke communal tension.
Muthalik referred to other incidents in Haveri district while criticising what he described as repeated attacks against members of the Hindu community. He mentioned an alleged assault at Naregal village in Hanagal taluk during Karahunnime and the murder of a pan-shop owner, Shivajirao, in Rattihalli.
He questioned whether people belonging to the Hindu community could live peacefully if such incidents continued and said Hindu organisations would intensify their protests.
Meanwhile, Hindus cleaned the temple premises with gomutra following the alleged incident. Hundreds of people, including Muthalik, participated in the cleaning drive. They also performed a special puja at the temple after cleaning the premises.
The bandh call for August 26 is likely to bring the issue into sharper focus, particularly as it coincides with Eid Milad. Police and district authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely to prevent any untoward incidents.
Authorities are likely to focus on maintaining communal harmony and preventing provocative statements or activities that could escalate tensions. Local leaders and community representatives may also be called upon to appeal for peace.
The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, verify the allegations made by the accused and complainants, and determine whether there was any motive behind the act.
