Violent Clash Erupts Over Durga Idol Desecration in Belgavi; Police Use Lathi Charge

 A violent clash broke out between two groups in Solapur village of Belgavi district on Sunday night, following the alleged desecration of a Durga Devi idol during its immersion. The incident led to injuries and property damage.

The altercation began as the Durga idol was brought for immersion. A dispute between two individuals, Amita Naika and Firoz, quickly escalated into a larger conflict between their respective groups. In the ensuing violence, three people were injured, and two bikes and a car were damaged.

Police Response and Lathi Charge

To control the situation, police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Superintendent of Police, Belgavi, Bheema Shankar Guled, stated, “The fight started between two individuals, leading to the involvement of larger groups. The police used baton charges to disperse the mob, and additional security forces, including two KSRP battalions, have been deployed to maintain order.”

Since the incident, heavy security has been deployed in the area to prevent further unrest. Police have conducted route marches to ensure law and order. According to the police, the situation is now under control, and no further incidents have been reported.

A similar violent clash occurred in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district during a Durga idol immersion. Thirty individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the violence, which saw shops vandalized in the Maharajganj area. Authorities have heightened security in the region, and efforts to apprehend the main accused are ongoing.

Both incidents highlight the need for heightened vigilance during religious events to prevent communal tensions from escalating into violence.