Police detain 200 in Hubballi over temple tank road protest
At least 200 protesters marching towards the Bhavani Shankar Temple, in a dispute over the Pushkarini (temple tank) were detained by police on Saturday, Aug 22, officials said.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita are in force in the area. Around 200 protesters were stopped and taken into custody at Channapet in Old Hubballi as they attempted to proceed towards the temple, police said.
BJP MLAs Arvind Bellad and Mahesh Tenginakai, Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik, and several other leaders and protesters were among those detained, police said.
The dispute intensified after various Hindu organisations called for a protest demanding removal of a concrete road built at the site, which they claim lies on the traditional Pushkarini. The demand has reportedly met resistance from residents opposed to the road's removal.
Protesters expressed strong resentment over the police action after being stopped from proceeding towards the temple in a procession, raising slogans that led to tension at the scene.
Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar told reporters that prohibitory orders under Section 163 had been imposed over the protest call by Hindu organisations concerning road work in Asar Oni.
"Outside the 500-metre premises, Hindu organisations as well as BJP leaders and workers had gathered and tried to enter the area and reach the site where the road work had taken place," he said.
"To avoid any untoward incident, about 200 people have been taken into custody, including MLAs from the region — Arvind Bellad, Mahesh Tenginakai and Pradeep Shettar — as well as other leaders and office-bearers of various Hindu organisations and party workers," Shashikumar said.
Police said elaborate security arrangements had been made as a precaution. "Security arrangements will continue, and the prohibitory order is in force until 10 pm. About 200 people have been taken into custody. Necessary legal action will be taken," Shashikumar added.
