Section 144 imposed in Bhatkal for Two Days After Murin Katte Dispute

Bhatkal: Following tension over the disputed “Murin Katte” structure, the administration has imposed Section 144 across Bhatkal as a precautionary measure.

According to police, the prohibitory orders will remain in force from 6 am on May 25 to 6 am on May 27. During this period, gatherings of five or more people at one place will not be allowed.

Tension rose on Sunday night when some BJP activists allegedly tried to move towards the disputed site, leading to arguments with police personnel deployed in the area. Senior police officers later intervened and brought the situation under control. Police also detained several BJP workers, including former district BJP president Govinda Naik.

Earlier, reconstruction work at the disputed structure carried out under police protection had triggered objections from local residents and leaders of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, leading to further tension in the town. Police have appealed to the public to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumours.