Archive · 22 Aug 2026
About 200 Detained in Hubballi Temple Tank Road Protest
About 200 people were stopped by police in Hubballi during a protest.
They were trying to reach the Bhavani Shankar Temple.
The protest was about a concrete road built where Hindu groups say an old temple tank is located.
Some residents reportedly oppose removing the road.
Police had ordered people not to gather or enter the area.
Several politicians and religious organisation leaders were among those detained.
Protesters objected to the police action and shouted slogans.
Police said the restrictions and security were needed to prevent trouble.
Around 200 people were detained in Old Hubballi while marching toward the Bhavani Shankar Temple.
The protest concerned a concrete road built at a site Hindu organisations identify as part of the traditional Pushkarini, or temple tank.
BJP MLAs Arvind Bellad, Mahesh Tenginakai and Pradeep Shettar were among those detained, police said.
Police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita within the area.
Police said the action was taken to prevent an untoward incident, while protesters condemned being stopped from proceeding to the temple.
- Who
- Around 200 protesters, including BJP MLAs Arvind Bellad, Mahesh Tenginakai and Pradeep Shettar, Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik, and other leaders and party workers, were detained.
- What
- Police detained people marching over a dispute concerning road work at a site identified by Hindu organisations as a traditional temple tank.
- When
- Saturday, August 22; the prohibitory order was stated to remain in force until 10 pm.
- Where
- Channapet in Old Hubballi, near the Bhavani Shankar Temple and the road-work site in Asar Oni, Karnataka.
- Why
- Police said the detentions were intended to prevent an untoward incident after protesters tried to enter the restricted area.
Protesters and Hindu Organisations
Residents and Police
Whether the road should remain
Protesters and Hindu Organisations
Hindu organisations demanded removal of the concrete road, saying it was built on part of the traditional Pushkarini, or temple tank.
Residents and Police
Residents reportedly opposed removing the road.
Police action during the procession
Protesters and Hindu Organisations
Protesters expressed resentment, condemned the detentions and raised slogans after being prevented from reaching the temple.
Residents and Police
Police said they stopped and detained people because they tried to enter the restricted area and to prevent an untoward incident.
- Detentions
- About 200 people were taken into custody.
- Disputed site
- A concrete road constructed at a site Hindu organisations claim is part of the traditional Pushkarini, or temple tank.
- Protest demand
- Various Hindu organisations demanded removal of the road.
- Police order
- Prohibitory orders were imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
- Restricted area
- Police said protesters tried to enter a 500-metre area around the site.
- Restriction duration
- Police said the prohibitory order would remain in force until 10 pm.
- Police position
- Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N Shashikumar said the action was taken to avoid any untoward incident.
