Karnataka: BRTS corridor between Hubballi-Dharwad closed for demolition of dargah; heavy security deployed

HUBBALLI: The BRTS corridor between Hubballi-Dharwad is closed for alleged demolition of Mahmood Quadri dargah at Bhairidevarakoppa, on Wednesday.
It is said that authorities had planned to demolish the dargah in wee hours but it was deferred after arrival of Moulvi of dargah.
Dargah's Moulvi arrived at 8.20am and performed rituals as per Islam before demolish operation. Hubballi Anjuman E Islam president Yusuf Savanur and others were said to be present on the occasion.
Issue of demolition of dargah was disputed since 2012 when BRTS project was planned. As the dargah was exempted from the the demolition Hindu organisation had demanded exemption for Ramalingeshwar temple at Unkal Cross.

Hubballi-Dharwad East Congress MLA Prasad Abbayya visited the spot and told reporters that it's conspiracy of BJP government to cover up its corruption and failure in administration.
"Dargah is not only religious center of Muslims but it has devotees from Hindu community too. It's not like temple or mosque but it will be having a body of baba. BJP's efforts of provoking people will teach a lesson in coming assembly polls" he added.
City district Congress president Altaf Hallur said that government it trying to Muslims in the name of religion.
"We have told our community people to maintain peace. We had requested the authorities to shift the Dargah to the next site using some advanced technology but they didn't do it. They are mute over encroachment of a show room owned by BJP MLA Arvind Bellad just next to the Dargah. Authorities should note that width of BRTS corridor at many places ranges between 18 to 30 meters but it has the width of 45 meters at Dargah."
Over 1,000 personnel including RAF, KSRP, CAR troupes are deployed to maintain law and order. Surrounding residents are instructed to remain at homes and photography and videography is strictly banned from surrounding buildings and areas.
Traffic is diverted via Kranti Veer Sangolli Rayanna Nagar, Eshwar Nagar and Navanagar towards Dharwad. Vehicles arriving from Dharwad end are diverted at Bharat Petroleum pump, APMC and Bhairidevarakoppa.
Following the diversion, traffic movement is thrown out of gear between twin tities. School-college going students and office goers are struggling hard to reach their destination.
Following the demolition, tensed situation prevailed in the area.