Tensions flare in Karnataka’s Belagavi over Aurangzeb banner, police take action

Tensions erupted in Belagavi’s Shahu Nagar area in Karnataka after a banner featuring Mughal ruler Aurangzeb was put up by unknown individuals. The poster that described Aurangzeb as “Sultan-e-Hind”, and “the real founder of Akhand Bharat” was put up on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
The police said that they pulled down the banner amid local protests and increased security across the area to prevent further incidents. Residents expressed anger over the banner, and demanded swift action against those responsible for what they saw as an attempt to provoke communal clashes.
However, as tensions seemed to simmer down, a group of young men from another community took to social media to protest the banner’s removal. They questioned why the Aurangzeb banner was taken down while a nearby banner of Veer Savarkar, a Hindu nationalist leader, was left untouched. They warned that they wouldn’t tolerate the removal of their banner.
The online posts added fuel to the fire, prompting authorities to consider additional measures to monitor and control the situation. Rohan Jagadish, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Law and Order in Belagavi, issued a statement to address the rising concerns. “On November 3, which is apparently Aurangzeb’s birthday, some individuals put up posters on public property without permission. The corporation has since removed them.”
The Deputy Commissioner said that a police report was also registered and that they are working to identify those responsible. “A social media campaign is in place, and everything is under control. The corporation will take further action,” he added.