In the wake of a heated quarrel during a Lord Ram idol procession in Wadi town, Kalaburagi, the Karnataka government has enforced prohibitory orders under CrPC section 144. The incident occurred a day after the grand inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The orders, effective until 6 am on January 25, aim to preemptively maintain law and order.
Quarrel Erupts During Procession
The clash transpired amid a procession celebrating the consecration of the Lord Ram idol. Allegedly, a stone-pelting incident triggered a dispute between two groups. Police intervened, employing ‘mild’ force to disperse the crowd. Authorities assert that the situation is now under control, describing the episode as a “quarrel” that escalated but was swiftly contained.
Dalit Protests Over Alleged Defacement of Dr BR Ambedkar Statue
Simultaneously, tension gripped various parts of Kalaburagi district as Dalit organizations protested the purported defacement of a Dr BR Ambedkar statue in Kotnoor village. Miscreants reportedly placed a garland of footwear on the statue, provoking outrage. Protesters demanded strict action against the perpetrators.
Protests Escalate into Unrest
The demonstrators, expressing their anger, disrupted traffic for over five hours, burning tires and vandalizing a fuel station owned by a BJP MLC. The unrest spilled into Kalaburagi city, with stone-throwing incidents and forced shop closures near Jagat Circle. The agitated mob even blocked the vehicle of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused.
DCP’s Visit Eases Tension
The tense atmosphere saw relief after DCP Kanika Sikriwal visited Kotnoor village. She cleaned the defaced statue and garlanded it, providing assurance that the police had initiated an investigation to identify and apprehend the miscreants.
Legal Action Initiated
The police have registered a case under Section 295 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with defiling a place of worship with intent to insult, and relevant sections of the Prevention of SC/ST Act. The DCP stated that the situation is now under control, with heightened night patrols. Definite leads about the miscreants are being pursued for swift apprehension.
Political Condemnation
Expressing condemnation, the state BJP general secretary, P Rajeev, strongly criticized the incident. He called for prompt arrests and urged the government to take preventive measures to safeguard statues from further insults. Rajeev expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
In conclusion, while the Lord Ram idol procession quarrel led to the imposition of Section 144 in Kalaburagi, a parallel incident involving the alleged defacement of a Dr BR Ambedkar statue sparked widespread protests. The authorities are actively addressing both situations, emphasizing the need for swift legal action and preventative measures to ensure public safety and order in Karnataka.
