The Karnataka government has suspended Manjunath Hiremath, Circle Police Inspector of Belagavi Rural Police Station, for alleged negligence and dereliction of duty in connection with the desecration of an idgah in Santi Bastawad village, Belagavi district. He is also accused of delaying action in a separate case involving the theft and alleged desecration of holy books from a village mosque.
Belagavi Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang confirmed that the suspension followed an initial inquiry that revealed lapses on the part of the officer. The action comes amid demands from the Muslim community for accountability.
Meanwhile, Belagavi police have arrested four individuals — Laxman Yallappa Uchawade (30), Muttappa Bharma Uchawade (26), Laxman Nagappa Naik (30), and Shivaraj Yallappa Gudli (29) — all residents of the same village, in connection with the desecration incident that occurred in April.
The accused allegedly damaged four gumbazs (domes) of the idgah and desecrated graves and nameplates. According to Commissioner Marbaniang, the accused have confessed, and investigators have found supporting evidence.
