Bhatkal: Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been imposed in Bhatkal town and adjoining Jali Town Panchayat limits of Uttara Kannada district following tension in the area.
The tension erupted after a newly constructed platform, built as part of the proposed shifting of the Murinkatte structure, was allegedly vandalised on Saturday evening.
Police said four FIRs have been registered and six persons arrested in connection with the incident. Additional forces have been deployed and the situation is now under control.
According to an order issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Bhatkal, the prohibitory orders came into force at 6 am on May 25 and will remain in effect till 6 am on May 27 as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.
Murinkatte, located on the NH-66 stretch in Bhatkal, has religious significance for devotees heading to the Shri Marikamba Temple in Sirsi. Since the structure came within the limits of the highway expansion project, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had initiated steps to shift it to nearby government land.
The construction of the new platform at the alternative site began on Saturday morning but due to rain it was done partially. However, tension erupted after a video message related to the construction went viral on social media.
“In the evening, a WhatsApp video message related to the construction went viral. Following this, a group of people from a community gathered at the spot and pushed down the partially built platform,” Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police Deepan MN told reporters.
The SP clarified that the original Murinkatte structure had not been touched or damaged. “The original Murinkatte is completely intact and there is no disturbance there. We have also provided bandobast at the site,” he said.
Bhatkal Town Police registered four separate cases in connection with the incident, including charges related to obstruction of traffic, preventing police personnel from discharging duties, assault and robbery based on a complaint, and circulation of provocative videos on social media.
Heavy police deployment has been made across Bhatkal town to prevent any further escalation. The SP said nine KSRP platoons, six DAR teams and additional personnel from neighbouring districts had been deployed in sensitive areas.
“Special Action Force personnel are also being mobilised. At present, the situation is completely under control,” he said.
Hindu outfits expressed anger over the incident and demanded immediate action against those involved in the act.
As there are possibilities of protest from both sides, the district administration has imposed prohibitory orders to maintain peace and prevent any escalation of tension.
The restrictions are in force till the morning of May 27, but authorities have indicated that they may be extended if necessary, depending on the situation on the ground.
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