The town of Sedam in Kalaburagi district recently witnessed a significant event as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) successfully conducted its centenary celebration route march on Sunday, defying explicit police restrictions.
The day began with a vibrant assembly of hundreds of uniformed RSS workers at Narmada College around 1 p.m. As planned, their procession commenced promptly at 3 p.m., setting the stage for what would become a series of dramatic encounters.
Upon reaching the main thoroughfare near the DBR Compound, the procession was abruptly halted by police officials. The authorities cited a lack of official permission, emphasizing that Sedam Tahsildar Shreyanka Dhanashri had formally denied the RSS’s request for the march on Saturday night, citing potential disruption to public peace and order.
However, the participants remained resolute. Undeterred by the police intervention, they pressed forward with their planned event. This led to a standoff where police proceeded to detain numerous Swayamsevaks, along with members of their accompanying band party, ushering them onto several buses.
The detentions sparked immediate outrage among local residents, resulting in heated arguments and minor clashes with the police. Even while confined within the buses, the detained volunteers continued their protest, playing musical instruments and vociferously chanting slogans such as “Bharat Mata ki Jai!”
Following their release at various locations across the town, including the bus stand and taluk panchayat office, the determined Swayamsevaks quickly regrouped. They resumed their march through different neighborhoods, where they were met with a show of support, as residents showered them with flower petals. The eventful march eventually culminated back at Narmada College, completing its intended route.