Chikkamagaluru: Tensions escalate over dargah dispute in Kote layout

Team Udayavani, Jan 7, 2025, 10:18 AM IST

The ongoing dispute over a dargah in Chikkamagaluru’s Kote Layout has turned tense with locals continuing their protest on Monday alleging the construction of a new structure and unauthorized electricity connection to the dargah.

The controversy surrounding the dargah’s land is currently under judicial consideration. Allegations have surfaced that unauthorized electrical connections have been made to the site, and tiling work is being carried out.

Hindu organizations have strongly opposed the construction activities, resulting in a tense atmosphere in the area. Police have been deployed in large numbers to maintain order.

When City Council President Sujata Shivakumar and other council members arrived at the scene, they were stopped by the police. Meanwhile, Ayyappa devotees, gathered 200 meters away from the dargah, chanted “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa” and demanded access to circle a nearby banyan tree, questioning why barricades were placed around the tree instead of the dargah.

The situation escalated into a verbal altercation between the protesters and the police.

The authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation of tensions.