Removal of Shivaji’s portrait sparks tension in Bidar

The removal of Shivaji’s portrait from a makeshift platform by police authorities has triggered violence in Bhalki in Karnataka’s Bidar district with angry activists belonging to Maratha organizations going on a rampage, setting fire to a government jeep and stoning several buses.

Violence erupted after the police and revenue officials removed the portrait of Shivaji, which hung from a pole on a makeshift platform in the middle of the road in Mehkar village, lying close to Karnataka’s border with neighbouring Maharashtra.

Soon a large number of activists belonging to Maratha organizations congregated at the spot and took serious exception to the removal of Shivaji’s portrait.

Trouble began after the unruly mob assaulted revenue officials on duty and burnt down his jeep. Angry activists also stoned several buses belonging to the state-owned Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses. One person, who was waiting at the bus stand, was injured. He was shifted to a private hospital in Hyderabad.

Soon, the police reached the spot and resorted to caning to bring the situation under control. A total of 61 persons were arrested on charges of indulging in violence. They were produced before the court and remanded in judicial custody till November 27.

An undeclared shut-down was witnessed in entire Bhalki taluk in Bidar, which is lying on Karnataka’s border with Maharashtra. Several shops had downed their shutters.

Meanwhile, the activists took out a march in protest against the arrest of 61 persons by the police and submitted a memorandum to the office of the Tahsildar of Bhalki. Apart from demanding the immediate release of the arrested persons, the protests sought the construction of Shivaji Circle in Mehkar village and restoration of Shivaji’s portrait. They also called for suspension of the officials responsible for the removal of the portrait.
Minister in charge of Bidar district Bandeppa Kashempur visited Mehkar village and held talks with the police officials and people’s representatives