A large-scale protest was held at Rani Channamma Circle in Belagavi, Karnataka, following the alleged burning of Islamic scriptures taken from a mosque in Santibastwad village. Thousands from the Muslim community took part in the rally, led by Belagavi North MLA Asif Sait, demanding swift arrests in the case.
The protest began after Friday prayers at multiple mosques and dargahs, with people gathering at Channamma Circle before marching towards the Deputy Commissioner’s office to submit a memorandum. Protesters alleged that copies of the holy books were stolen from an under-construction mosque and later set ablaze in a nearby farmland.
Raising slogans and waving flags, the demonstrators questioned the delay in police action, pointing out that no arrests had been made even four days after the May 11 incident. They recalled a previous assurance by Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang, who had promised action within three days, and demanded a thorough investigation to uncover those behind the act.
Heavy police deployment was seen at the site to ensure order, while Section 144 was imposed as a precaution. Traffic disruptions were reported due to the scale of the protest, with some youths blocking roads and vowing not to leave until arrests were made. Despite the charged atmosphere, the rally concluded peacefully.
