Karnataka: Police struck in stone pelting during Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti procession in Bagalkot

A stone pelting incident was reported in Bagalkot district during Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti procession on Thursday.

Bagalkot SP Siddharth Goyal said that stones were also hurled at the police, adding that no one was injured.

"We will arrest the culprits and take strict action," Goyal said.

The incident happened while the procession, which began at 3:30 pm, was passing through a mosque area, officials told PTI.

"We were all present at the spot. The procession began around 3:30 PM (yesterday), As it approached the mosque, two stones were thrown from a distance toward us,” Goyal said.

The SP said that one stone struck his shoulder, while another hit a police constable.

“No one sustained any major injuries. After that, the procession continued smoothly, and the atmosphere remained peaceful,” Goyal said.

He said that the police is reviewing videos of the procession and strict action will be taken against the perpetrators, adding that the situation was currently under control.

"The area where the incident occurred has been covered with CCTV cameras. We had also recorded the procession. We are reviewing the video footages. Strict action will be taken against those involved in this," he added.

Further, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita have been imposed in parts of Bagalkot from midnight of February 19 to midnight of February 24.

Under the restrictions, a gathering of four or more people in public places is prohibited. Carrying dangerous weapons, engaging in activities that may endanger public safety, and organising meetings, ceremonies or sit-ins without prior permission have also been barred.

Measures were taken to maintain law and order in the affected areas.