Mohammed Talha Siddi Bapa reports from Bengaluru, with ground inputs contributed by sources in Belagavi.
Bengaluru/Belagavi: A wave of anguish and indignation swept through Belagavi as thousands gathered in a powerful yet peaceful protest on Friday, May 16, in response to the May 12 desecration of the Holy Qur’an in Santibastwad, a village on the city’s outskirts. The incident – where copies of the Qur’an and Hadith were allegedly removed from an under-construction mosque and set ablaze by unidentified miscreants – has shaken the conscience of the local community and triggered widespread condemnation.
What began as local outrage gradually escalated into a city-wide movement led by Muslim youth who had been demanding justice for days. With no arrests made by the authorities even four days after the crime, the youth took the initiative to mobilise the masses, calling for a large-scale protest after the Juma prayers on Friday. The call was met with overwhelming support, as people from across Belagavi responded in unity to the youth-led appeal.
A Protest Led by Youth, Defined by Discipline
The massive rally that began outside Juma Masjid advanced through key city routes and finally reached Rani Channamma Circle, where demonstrators gathered in thousands, expressing their sorrow and anger with placards and slogans. From there, the protest marched towards the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, where a memorandum was formally submitted to DC Mohammed Roshan, urging the government to ensure swift arrest of the culprits.
The agitation continued from 2:30 PM to around 5:00 PM, during which a large police force was deployed to maintain order. While the atmosphere remained intense, youth leaders showed notable restraint. Officers had a difficult task containing the emotional momentum of the youth, but through ongoing dialogue and appeals, the situation remained under control.
Despite the charged environment, no incidents of violence, property damage, or arson were reported. “This protest was led by youth, and yet it was one of the most responsible public demonstrations in recent memory,” said Masood Ahmed Taha, President of the Solidarity Youth Movement, Belagavi Unit. “We are hurt and angry, but our response must always reflect the values of justice, peace, and maturity taught to us by our faith.”
Authorities Respond to Public Pressure
Senior law enforcement officers, including Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang and DCP Rohan Jagadish reached the protest venue and engaged directly with youth leaders and community elders. After a series of tense but constructive dialogues, the police assured the demonstrators that all efforts were being made to arrest the culprits at the earliest.
Belagavi North MLA Asif Sait, who was present at the scene, also appealed to the protesters to remain calm and assured them that he had personally taken up the matter with senior government officials. “This is not just a law and order issue – it is about protecting our constitutional values,” he told the gathering.
From a Local Incident to a Collective Outcry
The initial desecration on May 12 had sparked small gatherings and memoranda submissions. But with no breakthrough in the investigation, the frustration grew. “When days passed without any concrete action, the youth of Belagavi rose. They led, and the city followed,” remarked a local resident.
Solidarity Youth Movement had earlier submitted a complaint to the Karnataka State Minorities Commission, urging swift investigation and legal action. In their public statements, they reiterated that the Qur’an is a symbol of peace, equality, and divine guidance – and any attempt to defile it is a crime not just against Muslims but against the very idea of India.
A Call for Unity and Vigilance
Even as the protest concluded late in the afternoon, the message it delivered echoed far and wide: a strong community response is possible without resorting to destruction or violence. Leaders called on citizens to remain vigilant, report hate-driven acts, and continue to uphold the values of secularism and mutual respect.
As Belagavi returns to calm, all eyes are now on the authorities. The community, particularly its youth, has played its part with dignity and restraint. The next move lies with the state machinery – to act with speed, fairness, and resolve.
