VHP, Bajrang Dal protest in Mangaluru; Rapid Action Force deployed.
In Bantwal town of Mangaluru, Karnataka, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal workers staged a protest on Monday regarding a controversial social media post. The demonstration led to increased security measures in the area, with the Rapid Action Force (RAF) being deployed to maintain order. The Superintendent of Police for Dakshin Kannada, Yatish N, addressed the situation but declined to provide specific details about the post, stating he “cannot disclose” the issue. The protest has raised concerns over communal tension in the region, prompting authorities to stay vigilant and monitor the situation closely.
On Monday, protests erupted in Bantwal town, Mangaluru, Karnataka, led by workers from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. The demonstrations were sparked by a controversial social media post, though the specific content of the post remains undisclosed. The protestors, raising slogans and agitating in the streets, were seen clashing with the local police force, leading to heightened security measures. The police, under the guidance of the Dakshin Kannada district’s Superintendent of Police (SP) Yatish N, were tasked with controlling the crowd and maintaining law and order.
According to visuals released by TVBharat24, police personnel were actively deployed to handle the situation as tensions escalated. Protesters were seen thrashing police barricades while continuing their demonstrations, demanding action over the issue. The situation soon required further intervention, and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed to assist in calming the unrest. The video footage clearly showed the RAF arriving at the scene in an attempt to diffuse the heightened tensions.
The protest occurred just ahead of the significant religious event, Eid-e-Milad, which marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad. This year, the festival was celebrated with processions and gatherings across the nation, and authorities were concerned about the potential for the protests to disrupt these celebrations. Addressing these concerns, the SP of Dakshin Kannada, Yatish N, stated that the police had made adequate arrangements to handle the protest. He also emphasized that steps were being taken to prevent any disruptions on the eve of Eid-e-Milad, reiterating that the safety and security of the public were paramount during such times.
“We are ensuring that no untoward incident takes place in Bantwal or anywhere in the district,” said SP Yatish N, speaking to
His statement highlighted the sensitive nature of the situation, and the authorities were keen on preventing any communal or social disturbances from escalating further. With protests turning aggressive and demonstrators clashing with law enforcement, the focus shifted towards maintaining order in the region. The SP’s assurance that legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb the peace sent a clear message that the authorities would not tolerate any acts of violence or disruption.
Meanwhile, on social media, the situation was met with a mixed reaction. Several users on X (formerly known as Twitter) commented on the unfolding events. Many expressed concern over how the Karnataka government was handling the situation. One user commented, “The Karnataka government needs to be more adept at dealing with such protests and should have taken preventive measures.” Another user criticized the protesters, referring to them as “goons” and urging Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take strict action against them. The comment reflected a broader sentiment that the state government needed to act more decisively to prevent such protests from spiraling out of control.
Another user took the criticism further, labeling the Bajrang Dal as a “terrorist organization.” This comment underscored the growing polarization over the issue, with some viewing the protesters as a threat to communal harmony. It also hinted at the broader perception of the Bajrang Dal, an organization that has been involved in several controversial incidents in the past. The labeling of the group as “terrorists” added fuel to the ongoing debate about the nature of these protests and whether they were justified or simply an attempt to create unrest.
One more user linked the protests to a broader political narrative, drawing parallels between the situation in Karnataka and that in West Bengal. The user suggested that the Karnataka state government should secretly initiate combing operations to arrest “anti-Congress” elements. The user stated, “Their modus operandi is the same in West Bengal and Karnataka.” This comment suggested that the protests might have a political motive, with the opposition targeting the ruling Congress party. It also implied that the state government needed to be proactive in curbing any potential threats to its authority.
As the protests continued, authorities were on high alert, particularly with the Eid-e-Milad festival underway. In light of the sensitive nature of the event, law enforcement agencies were taking no chances. The deployment of both the police and the Rapid Action Force underscored the seriousness of the situation, with the authorities doing everything in their power to prevent any escalation.
The protest and its surrounding circumstances also reflect a broader trend of unrest in Karnataka, where social media posts have increasingly become flashpoints for controversy. In recent years, the state has seen a rise in tensions over various issues, ranging from communal disputes to political disagreements. Social media has played a significant role in amplifying these conflicts, with posts quickly going viral and sparking outrage among various groups. This latest protest over an undisclosed social media post is a testament to how such incidents can quickly spiral out of control, necessitating swift action from law enforcement.
The challenge for the Karnataka government, as well as the police, is to strike a balance between maintaining order and ensuring that freedom of expression is upheld. While protests are a legitimate form of dissent, they should not devolve into violence or create communal tensions. The situation in Bantwal is a reminder of the delicate nature of such protests and the potential consequences if they are not handled properly.
As Eid-e-Milad celebrations continue across the country, the authorities in Karnataka remain vigilant, with a focus on ensuring that peace is maintained throughout the festival. The state’s history of communal harmony, coupled with its current political landscape, makes it essential for the government to act with caution. Whether the protests will die down or escalate further remains to be seen, but for now, the authorities are committed to ensuring that order is restored and that the celebrations proceed without incident.