Stone pelting during Shiv Jayanti procession in Karnataka's Bagalkot; SP injured

Adequate personnel have been deployed near Pankhi masjid in Bagalkot's Old City area to maintain law and order. (Credit: ANI)

Stones were allegedly pelted during a procession that was taken out to mark the birth anniversary of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Karnataka's Bagalkot on Thursday, injuring two policemen including the Bagalkot Superintendent of Police.

As per reports , stones were allegedly thrown when the procession was passing in front of Panka masjid in Bagalkot's Old City area.

Balgalkot SP Siddhart Goyel said a procession was taken out around 3:30pm on Thursday. "We were all present at the spot... As it approached the mosque, two stones were pelted from a distance," Goyal said, as per Deccan Herald.

The SP said while one stone struck his shoulder, the other hit a police constable. “No one sustained any major injuries. Following the incident, the procession continued smoothly, and the atmosphere remained peaceful,” said Goyal.

Police authorities are reviewing videos of the procession and adequate personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

"The area where the incident occurred is under CCTV surveillance. We have also recorded the procession. We are reviewing the video footages. Strict action will be taken against those involved," said the SP.

Meanwhile, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita have been imposed in parts of Bagalkot from midnight of February 19 to midnight of February 24 to prevent the law and order situation from escalating further.