Karnataka Police imposed restrictions on Monday in Shivamogga under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) following a scuffle between two groups over banners depicting Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder V D Savarkar and 18th Century monarch Tipu Sultan.
According to a senior police official acquainted with the situation, tensions erupted when a banner depicting Savarkar was displayed at Amir Ahmed Circle in Shivamogga as part of the city’s Independence Day celebrations.
“A group of Muslim teenagers complained and the flex flag was removed.” There was an argument between the two parties…” stated an officer.
According to the officer, the Muslim group removed the banner and attempted to place a Tipu Sultan flag in the same area, resulting in a verbal brawl between the two parties. This led in a conflict between the factions and a police lathi charge to quell the situation.
“Hindu teenagers attempted to re-erect the flag in the circle, but authorities denied permission.” We have confiscated Savarkar’s flex flag. The entire incident created tension, therefore police were sent around the city, and the situation is now under control,” the officer continued.
Later in the day, right-wing parties in the city, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal, held a flash demonstration.
“In light of the current circumstances, we have enforced Section 144 in Shivamogga town and Bhadravathi” (taluk). The police have taken control of the situation, and we will investigate the issue thoroughly,” said Shivamogga Superintendent of Police Laxmi Prasad.
According to the officer described above, a similar occurrence occurred in the city on Saturday. A fight had erupted at a mall over a painting of Savarkar. “We believe today’s (Monday) occurrence is a result of that incident.” “The first incident was promptly settled, but on Monday it became aggressive,” added the officer.
Two stabbings were recorded in the city on Monday; however, SP Prasad stated that they were investigating if these deaths were related to the fight. “We know details regarding the stabbings. They’ve been admitted to the hospital. “We will investigate whether the stabbing is linked,” said SP Prasad.
Protests erupted in Shivamogga in February following the murder of 26-year-old Bajrang Dal activist Harsha. On the night of February 20, he was fatally stabbed in the Bharti Nagar neighbourhood. So far, at least ten persons have been detained in connection with the murder, and the investigation has been turned over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
