Chikkamagaluru: Expressing strong disapproval of the district administration’s decision to deny permission for the performance of ‘Rama Taraka Homa’ at the Sri Guru Dattatreya Baba Budan Swamy Dargah in commemoration of the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal staged a protest in front of the DC’s office in Chikkamagaluru.
The activists, who sought permission to conduct the homa at the Homa Mantapa near Baba Budan Swamy Dargah, were halted by the police. Outraged by this, they placed a picture of Sri Rama on the office door and began singing bhajans.
Despite police attempts to remove the ‘kunda’ set up for the homa, the activists defiantly placed all the necessary wooden pieces and proceeded with the ceremony. Their frustration escalated, leading to an attempted siege of the DC office.
Superintendent of Police Dr Vikram Amate tried to negotiate with the protesters, but when their response was unyielding, arrests were made and subsequently, the individuals were released.
The BJP district president, Devaraja Shetty, criticized the administration for not allowing the homa at Datta Peeta, accusing them of being influenced by the Congress. Shetty warned that the district administration would be held responsible for any future incidents.
The police faced challenges in managing the situation due to the unexpected turn of events. Tensions rose as the SP himself made arrests, leading to verbal exchanges between the police and the activists. BJP Yuva Morcha President Santhosh Kotian even issued a warning of potential unrest in the district later in the day if further arrests were made.
Following the arrests, another group attempted to head towards Dattatreya Baba Budan Swamy Dargah. The SP personally confiscated the picture of Rama. As the arrested individuals were being transported, Bajrang Dal activists intercepted the vehicle at Togarihankal Circle. Eventually, all those arrested were taken to Basavanahalli station and later released.
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