Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network - Bhatkal

Bhatkal, Jul 17: In an alleged attempt to disturb peace in the taluk, miscreants on Sunday July 17 placed a packet of meat in the premises of Naga Jataga Chowdi Temple at Koktinagar here. Police have stepped up security to prevent further trouble.

The packet was discovered by temple priest Honnayya Sannu Gonda when he came to the temple at the usual time to perform puja at the Nagabana. He then informed the others. Police rushed to the spot and seized the meat and sent it for testing to a lab in Mangaluru.

As soon as the news spread, leaders and activists of Sangh Parivar and the BJP gathered at the spot and expressed their ire over the incident.

"Such incidents aimed at hurting the sentiments of Hindus in Bhatkal have happened in the past also, but the police have not caught the culprits till date. This has encouraged the miscreants. The police should be alert in these matters," they urged.

The protestors, along with the temple priest, then proceeded to Shamsuddin circle and marched in procession to the police station, where they lodged a complaint urging action against the culprits.

Krishna Naik Arsikeri, Sunil B Naik, Mukund Naik, Ravi Naik Jali, Deepak Naik, Krishna Naik Hurulisala, Keshava Naik and others were present.

Bhatkal town police have registered a case and investigations are on.

SP visits spot

Superintendent of police (SP) Vamshi Krishna along with ASP Dr Anup Shetty, DySP Pramod Rao arrived at the spot and took stock of the situation. It is learnt that the SP has already discussed about forming a special team to trace the culprits.

Meanwhile, minister R V Deshpande and MLA Mankal Vaidya condemned the incident and after gathering information from the SP, issued directions to the police to take appropriate action in the case, sources said.