Defacing Shivaji statue: Stones pelted during flash protests in Belagavi; Sec 144 imposed

Team Udayavani, Dec 18, 2021, 8:46 AM IST

Belagavi: Pro-Hindu organizations staged a flash protest at Sambhaji circle in Belagavi city on Friday denouncing the defacing of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Bengaluru.

The protestors demanded the immediate arrest of miscreants who smeared black paint on the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and to take strict legal action against such mischief-makers.

The sudden protest on Friday night caught police off guard and the situation was tense at the protest site.

After a while, the protests turned violent. Stones were also pelted at the police jeep and other vehicles that left the window glass shattered. Reports said that more than 20 vehicles were damaged in the stone-pelting. A police jeep parked near Surya Yatri Niwas was also set ablaze by the miscreants.

Later, police deployed additional personnel to bring the situation under control. Police cordons have been put in place in sensitive areas of the city to prevent any untoward incidents.

Police said they have arrested 27 persons allegedly involved in the stone-pelting and arson.

Sangolli Rayanna statue destroyed

In another incident miscreants also destroyed the statue of Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna that was installed at Kanakadasa gully in Anagola in Belgaum city in the middle of the night.

Prohibitory orders imposed:

Meanwhile, the administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Sec 144 of Crpc in Belagavi city. Police have tightened security by deploying additional personnel and increasing patrols in sensitive areas. There is a sense of eerie calm gripping the city residents.

Home Minister assures strict action

Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra expressed his outrage at the violence during the flash protests at Shambhaji circle. He said strict action would be taken against thugs who harmed public property.

“We will take action against the thugs and suppress such unlawful activities. Police have been instructed to take strict action against those who resort to violence,” he said on Saturday.