Published Jul 06, 2025 | 3:08 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 06, 2025 | 4:12 PM
Idols were allegedly desecrated in Shivamogga.
Synopsis: Tension prevailed in Shivamogga following allegations that idols of Lord Ganesha and Naga stones were desecrated. After the incident, the Shivamogga SP said peace has been restored two accused have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Tension prevailed in the Bangarappa Layout of Ragigudda in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka on the night of Saturday, 5 July, following allegations that idols of Lord Ganesha and Naga stones were desecrated.
The Shivamogga District Superintendent of Police (SP) GK Mithun Kumar rushed to the spot and inspected the area. Meanwhile, BJP leaders and other right-wing affiliated leaders allegedly tried to communalise the issue.
However, SP Mithun Kumar shared photos of the undisturbed idols and said, “Don’t pay attention to provocative or false news. Peace has been restored in Ragigudda. The situation is under control. Two accused have been arrested in connection with the incident.”
According to police sources, a friend of a person who was staying near a platform having Ganesh idols and Naga idols desecrated them.
A platform had been built in an open space in front of an under-construction building in the locality, where a Muslim man was residing, and idols of Lord Ganesha and Naga were installed.
Locals alleged that, on Saturday, a friend of that person came near the house and desecrated the Naga stone. Accusations have also surfaced that people objected to the presence of Hindu idols in front of an under-construction house in a Muslim-dominated locality, claiming that the space where the idols were placed is government property.
Upon learning that a youngster from another community had desecrated the Naga stone, residents rushed to the spot and expressed their outrage. They demanded strict action against those who desecrated the idols, which led to a tense atmosphere in the area.
Speaking to the media, resident Gangamma said she saw the desecrated idols after returning home from her daily wage masonry work. “All the idols were covered in mud. The miscreants questioned why the idols had been placed there,” she said. She added that local boys had carefully placed the idols.
As soon as the information was received, the police personnel rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control. SP Mithun Kumar, Additional SP CG Karyappa, Deputy SP Sanjeev Kumar, and inspectors from various police stations went to the spot.
Following the incident, Shivamogga City MLA SN Channabasappa and the leaders of the BJP city unit visited the location. They spoke to the locals and gathered details about the incident. They also discussed the issue over the phone with Municipality Commissioner Mayanna Gowda.
Speaking to the media, Channabasappa said that a few people in the area have encroached upon government land and constructed houses. “They dismantled the idols, claiming they did not want to see Hindu deities when they woke up in the morning. Illegal constructions in the area must be demolished, and strict action should be taken against those who desecrated the idols,” he said.
On Sunday morning, members of the Rashtra Bhakta Balaga visited the Bangarappa Layout in Ragigudda. Former minister KS Eshwarappa held discussions with the residents. Later, they issued a deadline of Monday evening to Gowda to demolish the alleged illegally constructed buildings in the area.
“I was in Bengaluru when I received the information. I visited the place and gathered details from eyewitnesses,” said Eshwarappa. “The government has assigned three centres for the communal harmony task force. Why is this force silent now?” he questioned.
“This incident proves why Hindu-Muslim clashes occur. It is the Muslim goondas who are disturbing peace,” he alleged. “Four months ago, a temple was constructed here. A goonda involved in illegal construction has now desecrated the deity’s idol,” he claimed.
MLC Dr Dhananjay Sarji also visited the spot. Speaking to the media after his visit, he said, “How can someone kick a god’s idol with their foot? Illegal activities are happening in the under-construction building. CCTV footage must be reviewed immediately the accused should be arrested.”
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Nolan Patrick Pinto.)
