Tensions flared up in Shivamogga, Karnataka, on 1 October 2023, due to a procession organized by members of the minority community. During the procession, there were reports of stones being thrown, resulting in injuries to four individuals. In response, the police imposed Section 144 in the Ragigudda area of the city.
Retired teachers residing in the neighborhood shared their harrowing experience, expressing relief that they were not at home when the stone-throwing incident occurred. One of them described feeling betrayed by their own former students, saying, “God saved us.”
State BJP leaders, as part of a fact-finding mission, visited the area, including BJP state chief Nalin Kumar Kateel and other senior leaders like former deputy chief minister K S Eshwarappa, Malleshwaram MLA Dr. C N Ashwath Narayan, former ministers Araga Janendra, MP B Y Raghavendra, and more.
This man was a secular, his wife used to teach Urdu & when violence started in #Shivamogga during Eid, they were shocked to see their own students attacked their house & assaulted family members.
Share this story max, so that Hindus understand the real side of "bhaichara… pic.twitter.com/6gA3H3uLrD
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) October 6, 2023
During their visit to the Ragi Gudda area of Shivamogga on October 5th, the fact-finding team met with families affected by the violence. An elderly couple who had dedicated their lives to teaching in local schools for many years broke down while sharing their pain. They lamented that their own students had pelted stones at their homes, students they had taught for decades. The husband emphasized how they never viewed anyone through the lens of religion and expressed hope that their former students would reconsider their actions and lead normal lives.
The wife of the couple had taught Kannada to students at a local higher primary school, where she had to learn Urdu to communicate with students who spoke Urdu at home.
Additionally, a viral video on social media featured a woman affected by the violence questioning whether Hindus had a place to live and if women had a role in society.
The root of the turmoil began when a portrait of Tipu Sultan was erected in Raggigudda-Shantinagar on the outskirts of the city. Some groups objected to the image, claiming it depicted Tipu Sultan killing warriors dressed in saffron. Social media also circulated images glorifying Aurangzeb for establishing a Muslim empire in India. These displays carried historical significance, as Tipu Sultan is known to have forcefully converted and killed thousands of Hindus during his rule.
In another instance, a mother reveals how mobs unleashed terror and struck their homes. She revealed that she had to switch off all lights and sit put inside with the baby crying while the mob kept knocking and pushing the door.
A house having a month old baby was pelted stones in Shivamogga. Lady (mother) says "as the stones were pelted, glasses shattered &they had to switch off all lights &sit inside with baby crying. Their home doors were continuously knocked& pushed. It was a horrible experience." pic.twitter.com/aGNOW8tzM4
— ಹಕ್ಕ – ಬುಕ್ಕ ☀🌙 Hakka – Bukka (@daasharathirama) October 6, 2023
(With inputs from Swarajya)
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