In Bagalkot, where residents protested the arrest of Hindutva activists on Friday night, a conciliatory peace meeting was held on Saturday in which MP PC Gaddigoudar, former MLA Viranna Charantimath, senior police officials and residents of Killa Galli participated and it was decided to maintain peace.
Speaking to presspersons after the meeting, Mr. Charantimath said that trouble would break out if the police resorted to sudden arrests and were therefore urged not to resort to such steps, especially at the time of Holi festival and Hindu conventions.
He said the police promised no arrests but were under pressure from government officials.
Addressing a peace meeting at Ambiger Oni in Killa locality, Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goel stressed that restoring peace is their priority and innocents will not face any problem. Cases have already been registered and investigations are on. Any action will be taken based on evidence, he said.
In the meeting, Mr. Charantimath demanded that no arrest should be made till the Holi festival was over and if he provided evidence, he would himself present it to the police. Mr. Gaddigoudar also aired the same sentiment and assured the public that no one would be arrested ahead of the festival.
Meanwhile, residents told the Superintendent of Police that their children were not part of any violence and appealed to him to spare them.
Only the accused was arrested
In a related development, district minister RB Thimmapur told reporters in Bagalkot on Saturday that only those found involved in the violence have been arrested.
He clarified that the government can only give instructions, but ultimately the police will act based on the videos and other evidence. He also said that if the women faced any problem from the police, then those involved would face prosecution.
Protest
On Friday evening, the situation escalated in Killa locality after family members of Hindutva activists staged a flash protest, alleging that the police were arresting innocent persons.
Subsequently, Mr. Charantimath and PH Pujar, MLC, rushed to the spot before whom the residents aired their grievances. After Mr. Charantimath assured them that no one would be arrested and told the police not to take any such step to disturb the peace ahead of Holi and Id-ul-Fitr.
Published – 28 Feb 2026 21:32 IST
