Bhatkal: Mosque windows damaged in alleged stone-pelting during Ganesh procession

Bhatkal, 17 September: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) The glass panes of a mosque were damaged after stones were allegedly thrown at the Masjid-e-Ismail in the Gulmi area during a Ganesh idol immersion procession on Wednesday night.

A case has been registered against unidentified persons at the Bhatkal Town Police Station in connection with the incident.

The procession began from the Taland area at around 10 pm and proceeded towards the area near the canal through the railway station road. When the procession reached the vicinity of the mosque, some persons allegedly pelted stones at Masjid-e-Ismail. The attack reportedly caused damage to the glass panes of its windows.

Police reached the spot soon after receiving information about the incident and deployed additional personnel to prevent any further trouble. Some people were also brought to the police station for questioning.

A member of the mosque committee said police are in possession of video footage related to the alleged stone-pelting.

Following the spread of news about the incident, hundreds of people gathered outside the Bhatkal Town Police Station. They demanded that those responsible be identified and booked under the law. Police appealed to the public to maintain peace and avoid any activity that could lead to further tension.

Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. travelled from Karwar to Bhatkal after being informed about the incident and reviewed the situation. He said legal action would be taken against those responsible and appealed to people to maintain peace.

The Bhatkal Assistant Superintendent of Police and other senior police officials were also present.