Communal clash in Karnataka’s Shivamogga, more than 60 held: CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said that about 60 persons have been taken to police custody and the law and order situation is now under control.

An argument broke out on Sunday evening when some people objected to a cutout depicting Tipu Sultan, the ruler of erstwhile Mysore, allegedly shown killing warriors wearing saffron attire. Following the dispute, the police covered the cutout with a curtain.

Despite efforts to pacify tensions, the situation escalated during the Eid procession in the Ragigudda area. Stones were purportedly thrown at houses, leading to retaliation from the locals. The exact sequence of events leading to the stone pelting remains unclear.

To regain control, the police resorted to a lathi charge, dispersing the crowd. Six people, including two policemen, sustained injuries and were taken to district hospital for treatment. Several houses and vehicles were damaged during the clashes.

Prohibitory orders have been enforced, and additional security measures — including the deployment of Rapid Action Force, Karnataka State Reserve Police Force, District Armed Reserve, and local police — have been implemented in sensitive areas.

Shivamogga SP GK Mithun Kumar told the media that the situation was under control and section 144 of CrPC has been imposed in RagiGudda area of Shivamogga town.