Hubballi: 200 Detained Over Protest Against Road Work At Temple Tank
22 Aug 2026 3:17 PM IST22 Aug 2026 3:17 PM IST
Hundreds of protesters marching towards the Bhavani Shankar Temple in connection with a dispute over the Pushkarini were detained by police on Saturday.
Bhavani Shankar Temple in Hubali | Image Source: Internet
Hubballi: Hundreds of protesters marching towards the Bhavani Shankar Temple here in connection with a dispute over the Pushkarini (temple tank) were detained by police on Saturday, officials said.Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita are in force in the area, and around 200 protesters were stopped and taken into custody at Channapet in Old Hubballi while attempting to proceed towards the temple, police said.
BJP MLAs Arvind Bellad and Mahesh Tenginakai, Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik and several other leaders and protesters were among those detained, police said.
The dispute has intensified following a protest call by various Hindu organisations demanding the removal of a concrete road constructed at the site, which they claim is part of the traditional Pushkarini. The demand has reportedly met resistance from residents opposed to the removal of the road.
The protesters expressed strong resentment over the police action after they were prevented from proceeding towards the temple in a procession.
They raised slogans condemning the police action, leading to tension at the spot.
Speaking to reporters here, Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N Shashikumar said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS had been imposed in connection with a protest call by various Hindu organisations over road work in Asar Oni.
"Outside the 500-metre premises, Hindu organisations as well as BJP leaders and workers had gathered and tried to enter the area and reach the site where the road work had taken place," he said.
"To avoid any untoward incident, about 200 people have been taken into custody, including MLAs from the region-Arvind Bellad, Mahesh Tenginakai and Pradeep Shettar-as well as other leaders and office-bearers of various Hindu organisations and party workers," Shashikumar said.
Police said elaborate security arrangements had been put in place as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident.
"Security arrangements will continue, and the prohibitory order is in force until 10 pm. About 200 people have been taken into custody. Necessary legal action will be taken," Shashikumar added.
( Source : PTI )
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