Two Muslim teachers were assaulted in Basavakalyan in Karnataka’s Bidar district on Tuesday evening, sparking communal tensions. Thousands gathered outside Basavakalyan police station to demand action against those responsible for the attack. The protest led to a confrontation, prompting the authorities to register a case against the protesters.
Police said that Muhammad Arif (25 years old) and Syed Imran (31 years old) were attacked while they were out for a walk. Deputy Inspector of Police Madulaba said five suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack. “The accused were reportedly under the influence of alcohol,” Madulaba said.
Police said the incident took on a sectarian nature, with the Muslim community claiming it was a targeted attack. Citing the complaint filed in the case, they said that six to seven assailants made death threats and attacked Arif and Imran with stones, causing head injuries.
Police said tensions escalated when demonstrators gathered outside the station. Some protesters allegedly attacked police personnel, including Assistant Inspector Mukhtar Patel, and pelted stones. “Another case has been registered against 49 members of the Muslim community for trying to besiege the police station, assault Patil and other police personnel, and throw stones,” Madulaba said.
Authorities said the situation was under control, and more police personnel were deployed across the city as a precaution.
