Karnataka News

Shivamogga Skirmish: Swords Brandished, Huge Cutout Of Tipu, Akhand Bharat Map Painted Green With “Muslim Empire” And Aurangzeb Pic

October 2, 2023
The Commune

On Monday (2 October 2023), the district administration of Shivamogga in Karnataka imposed Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the Ragi Gudda area of the town. This measure was taken in response to clashes that erupted between two communities on Sunday evening during the celebration of Eid Milad. Section 144 is a legal provision that restricts gatherings of more than four people in a specific area to maintain law and order, particularly during times of tension or unrest.

According to reports, the incident happened during the Eid Milad celebrations (birthday of Prophet Mohammed) where a huge cutout of Muslim tyrant Tipu Sultan was erected glorifying him. A large knife, with two saffron-colored figures hanging from it was decorated and shown in full display.

The situation escalated when stones were thrown in the Ragi Gudda area.

Allegedly, Muslims celebrating Prophet Mohammad’s birthday started pelting stones at houses and vehicles, resulting in injuries to several individuals. These actions were reportedly triggered by unconfirmed rumors of stone-pelting on the Eid Milad procession.

Local authorities have urged the public not to spread rumors, as it could exacerbate the situation. However, they have been criticized for not addressing the provocation stemming from the display of a map of Akhand Bharat in green with the image of Aurangzeb under the title “Muslim Empire”.

In any situation of civil unrest or violence, it is essential to rely on credible news sources, official statements, and first-hand information. Video footage circulating on social media depicts even the police facing aggression during the stone-pelting incident. In one video, a woman can be heard exclaiming, “They are beating the police.” Another video shows Muslims waving flags and swords while the police appear to be passive observers. In contrast, just three days prior, Hindus conducted their annual Ganapati Visarjana procession without any reports of violence or vandalism.

Shivamogga Superintendent of Police Mithun Kumar said, “There was a stone pelting incident in Ragigudda last evening. However, we managed to disperse the crowd and the situation is under control now. Around four to five people sustained minor injuries. Section 144 is in force in Ragi Gudda to prevent any untoward incident,” ANI.

 Video evidence shows that once the stone pelting started, even the police were not spared and in the video which is being viewed on social media, one can hear a woman saying ‘Yappa they are beating police’.

In another video, one can see Muslims waving their flags and swords as the police watch as mute spectators. On the contrary, just 3 days ago Hindus had taken their annual Ganapati Visarjana in a fanfare procession but there was no act of violence or vandalism.