By The News Observer Desk,
Murudeshwar: : Police have arrested six underage boys from a different community after they allegedly pelted stones at houses belonging to the Hindu community in Murudeshwar late last night.
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The incident took place near Tengar on the Bailur road in Bhatkal taluk. According to locals, the boys arrived on a bike and started throwing stones at several homes in the area.
This latest flare-up comes against the backdrop of Bhatkal’s long history of communal tensions. The coastal town, home to a mixed population of Hindus and a significant Navayath Muslim community, was largely peaceful for decades. But everything changed after the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition. In 1993, a stone was thrown at a Hanuman temple chariot procession, triggering months of riots that left at least 17 people dead, dozens injured, and hundreds of homes and shops damaged or destroyed. Curfew was imposed for long stretches, and the scars ran deep. There have been smaller clashes since, including after the 1996 murder of a local BJP MLA, which further polarised the area.
Soon after last night’s incident, angry Hindu activists gathered outside the Murudeshwar police station and staged a night-long protest, demanding strict action against those involved.
District Superintendent of Police Deepan M N rushed to the spot, reviewed the situation on the ground, and gave a clear assurance that the law would take its course and those responsible would face strong legal action.
Satisfied with the SP’s promise, the protesters called off their demonstration and returned home.
Murudeshwar police have registered a case and are continuing their investigation.
Videography and Reporting by Saikiran Babrekar
