Shivamogga/Bengaluru: Tension briefly gripped the communally sensitive Raggigudda locality in Shivamogga after alleged vandalism of idols of Lord Ganesha and Nagadevta. However, swift police intervention led by Superintendent of Police Mithun Kumar helped defuse the situation. Two individuals — Syed Ahmad and Rehmatullah — were arrested in connection with the incident.
The controversy erupted in Bangarappa Layout, adjacent to Raggigudda, following reports of an attempted desecration of the idols near a temple. The site also houses an under-construction residential building, which locals claim is unauthorized. Police have taken Siddique, the person constructing the house, into custody for questioning.
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Leaders from the nearby mosque in Raggigudda visited the location and appealed for peace, stating clearly that the incident did not occur in the mosque area but near Bangarappa Layout. “We all — from all communities — live in harmony here. Whoever has committed this act must be punished, regardless of their community,” said a community leader.
Former Deputy Chief Minister K.S. Eshwarappa and members of Rashtrabakta Balaga visited the area, interacted with residents, and demanded that the unauthorized building be demolished by the municipal authorities. “This is a clear example of how communal tension can be triggered. We must act to prevent such incidents,” said Eshwarappa.
Increased police deployment has helped prevent escalation. Local Hindu groups are demanding the demolition of illegal structures near the temple, placing the ball in the civic body’s court to take timely action.
This incident comes in the backdrop of a similar communal flare-up in the same area two years ago, which had escalated from a minor dispute. While peace has returned for now, civic and law enforcement authorities remain on alert.
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