Section 144 Imposed In Karnataka’s Shivamogga After Tension Over Stone Pelting During Eid Procession

The district administration in Shivamogga has enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) on public gatherings in the Ragi Gudda area due to escalating tension stemming from alleged incidents of stone-throwing on Sunday, as reported by the police.

According to police sources, an agitated crowd reportedly hurled stones at houses and vehicles, causing injuries to several individuals. These actions were purportedly driven by rumors of stone-throwing during the Eid Milad procession.

On the stone pelting incident in Shivamogga, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said,"An Eid Milad procession was underway when some miscreants pelted stones. They also threw stones at the police. So far 40 people have been arrested. Our government will not tolerate such activities. The situation is under control now."

A police spokesperson confirmed that they have successfully dispersed the crowd, and the current situation is stable. To manage the situation, the police resorted to using baton charges, and additional forces, including the Rapid Action Force, have been deployed to the location. Some individuals have also been taken into custody.

Earlier in the day, protests had erupted in the same area concerning a cutout displayed as part of the procession. The police had covered a portion of it due to its "controversial content," which had sparked discontent among members of a particular community, as explained by a police official.

Shivamogga Superintendent of Police, G K Mithun Kumar, along with other police officials, arrived at the scene and engaged in discussions with the local residents to restore peace and order.