Prohibitory orders have been implemented in Wadi town in Karnataka's Kalaburagi district after a dispute erupted during a Lord Ram idol procession, as reported by news agency PTI on Tuesday.
The prohibitory orders, governed by CrPC section 144, will be in effect until 6 am on January 25, serving as a precautionary measure to uphold law and order and prevent any potential untoward incidents, according to the PTI report.
The report indicates that a dispute unfolded during the procession on Monday, sparked by an alleged stone-pelting incident between two groups. A heated argument ensued between the factions, prompting police intervention and the use of "mild" force to disperse the crowd.
The procession was conducted to mark the consecration of the idol of Lord Ram at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
"It was just a quarrel... a heated argument which escalated. The situation was brought under control soon by our force. There is no tension in the area, but as a precautionary measure, prohibitory orders have been imposed in the Wadi area of Chittapur taluk. It will remain in effect until 6 am on January 25. The situation is under control," stated a senior police officer, as quoted by PTI.
Meanwhile, tension persisted in various parts of the district on Tuesday after several dalit organisations staged protests, condemning the alleged defacement of a Dr B R Ambedkar statue at Kotnoor village on the outskirts of Kalaburagi city, as per the report.
Protesters claimed that miscreants had also placed a garland of footwear on the Ambedkar statue, demanding strict action against the culprits.
"We are trying to identify the culprits, and action will be taken as per law against those involved in the alleged act," stated the police officer to PTI.
"The incident happened late on Monday night. But our team is on the spot, and the situation has been brought under control," he added further.