200 Detained Over Protest Against Road Work At Temple Tank, 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.