Tension in Bhatkal town in Karnataka over religious structure, cops attacked

Tension erupted in Bhatkal town after a dispute over the reconstruction of a Hindu religious platform, with police personnel allegedly being assaulted during the incident.

Tension flared up in Bhatkal town of Uttara Kannada district after a dispute over the reconstruction of a Hindu religious platform, with some persons allegedly assaulting police personnel during the incident.

According to police sources, a 'Moori Katte', a religious platform located at Jagate Katte in Bhatkal, had earlier been removed during National Highway widening works.

The structure was recently reconstructed on land under the control of the National Highway authorities, triggering opposition from a minority community, which reportedly demanded that the structure be removed.

A group of people gathered at the spot and allegedly attempted to demolish the reconstructed platform, they said.

During the commotion, police personnel deployed at the location were allegedly assaulted while attempting to control the situation, they added.

Additional police forces were deployed in the area to maintain law and order, and authorities were monitoring the situation closely.

Police sources said further investigation into the incident was underway.