After a wave of violence disrupted the Eid-e-Milad procession in the Ragigudda and Shantinagar areas on October 1, peace has been restored in the city as of Monday. The district administration’s swift action imposing prohibitory orders under Section 144, initially covering Ragigudda but later extended citywide, played a crucial role in bringing the situation under control.
The city experienced an unofficial shutdown as police requested shop and hotel owners to close their businesses temporarily, maintaining public safety as their top priority. The violence led to the arrest of 60 individuals from both the Hindu and Muslim communities for their alleged involvement in stone-pelting incidents. Additionally, 12 people, including police personnel, sustained injuries during the clashes and are currently receiving medical attention at McGann Hospital.
Prominent political figures, including MP B Y Raghavendra, former minister K S Eshwarappa, and Congress leader H C Yogish, visited the injured to offer support and instill confidence in the affected families. MLA SN Channabasappa also visited the homes in Ragigudda that had been targeted during the unrest.
To prevent any further disturbances, civic workers worked diligently under tight security to remove cutouts that had been set up in various parts of Shivamogga.
The cutouts, featuring Tipu Sultan and Aurangzeb, had been a point of contention, with some blaming them for inciting the violence. Questions were raised about how these cutouts were permitted by the police, leading to heightened tensions.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that more than sixty people are being interrogated in connection with the incidents that marred the Eid-e-Milad procession. During the procession, stone pelting incidents occurred at Ragigudda Shantinagar, resulting in damage to seven houses, one car, and one bike. Six individuals sustained injuries during the clashes, prompting the police to employ baton charges to regain control of the situation.
The procession, initially scheduled for September 28, was postponed to Sunday due to the immersion of Ganesha idols. The violence erupted during the procession near Ragigudda, but authorities have since successfully restored calm to the area. As a precautionary measure, prohibitory orders remain in effect, and the city is under tight police security.
Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwar responded to the incident, noting that four individuals involved in the violence have been arrested. He emphasized the need to allow the police to conduct their investigations without disclosing the names of the arrested individuals.