Shivaji Jayanti Events Turn Tense in Karnataka, Hyderabad; YouTuber Attacked

Communal tensions flared in multiple regions following the February 19 celebrations of Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti, with incidents of stone-pelting, vandalism and assault reported from Karnataka, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh. Authorities moved swiftly to contain the unrest, deploying additional forces and imposing prohibitory measures in sensitive pockets to prevent escalation.

In Karnataka, violence erupted in Bagalkot district during a grand Shivaji Jayanti procession. Trouble reportedly began when the rally passed near Panka Masjid in the Old Town area, where stone-pelting allegedly broke out between groups, triggering panic and a brief stampede-like situation. A police constable and at least one local activist sustained injuries, while several roadside pushcarts and temporary stalls were damaged or set ablaze in the chaos. Police have arrested at least eight individuals in connection with the violence and imposed Section 144 to prohibit large gatherings. Security has also been tightened in nearby Belagavi and Hubballi as a preventive measure.

Meanwhile, in Hyderabad, tension simmered in parts of the Old City, particularly around Amberpet and Puranapool. A local YouTuber was allegedly assaulted by a mob while filming near a Jamia Masjid in Amberpet late Thursday night, coinciding with a Shivaji Jayanti procession passing through the stretch. Police sources indicated that an argument over filming in a communally sensitive area escalated into a physical attack, with slogan-shouting reported from both sides.

Quick intervention by the Amberpet Police prevented the situation from spiraling into a larger riot. As of Friday morning, no formal complaint had been filed by the YouTuber, but authorities are closely monitoring social media for inflammatory content. Traffic diversions imposed during the procession from Puranapool Darwaza to Salarjung Bridge have since been lifted.

In a separate but parallel incident in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, communal tension flared after a Durga temple complex was allegedly vandalized in Sihora tehsil during evening prayers. The incident led to stone-pelting between two groups before police resorted to a mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowd and restore order.

Across affected regions, authorities have appealed for calm, urging citizens not to spread rumors or provocative content online. While the situations are currently under control, heightened police presence remains in place as a precaution against further flare-ups.