Protests after burnt holy book pages found in Karnataka’s Belagavi, probe launched

“Elders of the place of worship in Santibasthawad made the discovery and informed the police. Soon after, protests erupted at different locations in the Belagavi taluk,” Commissioner Marbaniang told the media.

Protesters attempted to march into Belagavi city to submit a memorandum to the district administration. However, the police intercepted the demonstrators on the way and allowed them to stage a protest along the Belagavi-Goa state highway near Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU). Traffic was disrupted for over two hours.

According to Belagavi Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang, the charred pages were found in an agricultural field adjacent to the place of worship early Monday morning. (Source: Express Photo)

Belagavi North Congress MLA Asif (Raju) Sait visited the protest site and appealed for calm. “There have been no communal clashes in Belagavi since the Congress government came to power. Let us not fall prey to the divisive agenda of miscreants. Cooperate with the police and support the government’s efforts to maintain peace,” he said.

District in-charge minister Satish Jarkiholi urged the public to remain calm and assured that swift action would be taken once the perpetrators were identified.

The police have intensified security, while Commissioner Marbaniang has called on religious leaders and community elders to help maintain peace.