Tensions Flare Across Multiple States During Shivaji Jayanti Processions
Police across three Indian states were forced to intervene as minor clashes disrupted Shivaji Jayanti celebrations near religious sites in Bagalkote, Hyderabad, and Jabalpur. Authorities have made several arrests following incidents of stone-pelting and arson, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has vowed strict action to maintain communal harmony and public order.
The most significant confrontation occurred in Bagalkote, Karnataka, where a celebratory procession passing near the Panaka Masjid turned volatile. During the event, two stones were hurled at security personnel, resulting in a minor injury to Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal. The situation briefly spiraled as unidentified individuals set fire to vegetable carts in the vicinity, prompting a robust response from law enforcement. Officials confirmed that eight individuals, including a man identified as Tanzim, were taken into custody in connection with the violence and arson. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the incident shortly after, characterizing the unrest as "unfortunate" and issuing a stern warning that the state would take uncompromising action against those attempting to disturb the peace.
Simultaneously, a separate instance of lawlessness was reported in the Amberpet area of Hyderabad. Near the Jama Masjid, a mob targeted and assaulted a local YouTuber, creating a chaotic scene that required immediate dispersal by the police. While the situation was brought under control and the crowd moved along, authorities have not yet announced any formal arrests related to the physical altercation. Meanwhile, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, a dispute over the use of loudspeakers at a Durga temple—situated opposite the Madina Masjid—triggered a bout of stone-pelting between groups. Local police moved quickly to quell the disturbance, detaining 15 individuals to facilitate an investigation into the provocation.
Despite the scattered nature of these disruptions, administrative heads in all three cities have emphasized that the injuries reported were negligible and that the overall situation was neutralized before it could impact broader regional stability. Heavy police deployment remains in the affected neighborhoods to ensure that the aftermath of the festivities remains calm. These incidents underscore the persistent challenge of managing large-scale public demonstrations in high-density urban areas, highlighting the critical role of proactive policing and administrative vigilance in upholding civil order during sensitive cultural milestones.

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