Davangere witnessed a night of tension on Wednesday when a disagreement over a flex banner erupted into stone-throwing, resulting in injuries to five individuals. By Thursday, thanks to swift police intervention, the situation had returned to normalcy.
The root of the conflict lay in Karl Marx Nagar on Betur Road, where a flex banner had been erected. This seemingly minor issue quickly spiraled, leading to a confrontation between two groups that culminated in the violent exchange of stones.
All five individuals who sustained injuries during the clash received medical attention and have since been discharged from the hospital.
To assess the aftermath and ensure peace, Inspector-General of Police (Eastern Range) B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda and Superintendent of Police Uma Prashanth promptly visited the scene.
As a precautionary measure, additional police forces have been deployed across the area. Police authorities have confirmed that the situation is now completely under control.
The immediate trigger for the violence was the erection of a flex banner by a Muslim youth, displaying the phrase ‘I Love Mohammad,’ on the roadside. Tensions flared when attempts were made to place a similar banner in front of a house occupied by a Hindu family.
Details surrounding the precise timing of the clash remain somewhat unclear due to conflicting accounts.
Mohammad Sadiq, in his complaint, stated that the flex banner had been put up three days prior, and the altercation began at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Conversely, Ranganath’s complaint indicates that the dispute escalated into a scuffle specifically during the act of erecting the banner in front of his residence.
Ranganath’s complaint further alleged that over 50 Muslim individuals were involved in the incident, and that the group issued severe threats to his uncle.
Among those hospitalized with injuries were Yamanurappa, his daughter Rekha, and her brother-in-law Hanumantu. All three have since been released after receiving treatment.
Former Union Minister G.M. Siddeshwar visited Yamanurappa’s home on Thursday, the very site where the clashes had unfolded.
Siddeshwar claimed that a large number of individuals forcibly entered the Hindu resident’s home and assaulted him. He also voiced concerns about the police’s handling of the situation, alleging a failure to uphold law and order and an unfair, biased approach.
Addressing the press, Superintendent Uma Prashanth stated that the incident was indeed a clash between two groups, and as a result, two First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered.
She confirmed that police intervention successfully stabilized the situation, and the controversial flex banner was subsequently removed voluntarily.
Reassuring the public, the Superintendent added that the area remains calm, and extra security measures are in place to prevent any further disturbances.
Finally, she clarified that the planned Dasara celebrations would proceed as scheduled, undisturbed by the recent events.