Overview
- Tension began when a reconstructed Moori/Murinkatte platform on NHAI land drew a crowd that allegedly vandalised the partly built structure and assaulted police, in clashes that started on Sunday night, May 24.
- Police registered four FIRs, arrested six people and identified additional suspects while filing a separate case over a social-media call to gather at the site.
- The district deployed heavy security including multiple KSRP and DAR platoons and over 300 officers and imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS from 6 a.m. on May 25 through 6 a.m. on May 27 as a precaution.
- Karwar Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police M.N. Deepan said the original Murinkatte remained intact and that law enforcement had restored calm while investigations continue.
- The dispute stems from National Highway widening that moved the shrine onto NHAI land and has deep local sensitivity, and officials say they plan a peace committee and meeting to defuse tensions and prevent further disruption.