Bagalkot: A stone-pelting incident disrupted a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti procession in Bagalkot’s old town on Thursday, causing a minor injury to a police officer and prompting a brief security crackdown.

The unrest occurred as the commemorative rally traversed the area near Panka Masjid. Local authorities reported that stones were thrown toward the procession as it passed the mosque, leading police to execute a light lathi-charge to scatter the crowd and restore order.

Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal, who was present at the scene, confirmed that he was struck during the surge of violence but emphasised that the situation was quickly brought under control.

"It was the Shivaji Jayanti procession, and we were all present," Goyal said. "When the procession began around 3–3:30 PM, we were there with sufficient force and devices. As the procession approached the mosque, two stones were thrown from a distance toward us."

Casualties and Investigation

According to the SP, the physical impact of the clash was limited. "According to the information and videos we have reviewed so far, one stone hit a police constable, and the other hit my shoulder. No one sustained any major injuries," Goyal stated.

Following the brief disruption, security was heavily reinforced throughout the old town to prevent further flare-ups. Authorities noted that the procession was eventually allowed to resume its planned route. "After that, the procession continued smoothly, and the atmosphere remained peaceful," the SP added.

Security Measures

District officials have implemented tight security protocols, including increased patrolling and the monitoring of CCTV and mobile footage to identify those responsible for the stone-pelting. No formal arrests were immediately announced, though police remain on high alert in sensitive pockets of the city to maintain communal harmony.

With inputs from IANS