Alleged abduction and assault of PKPS members spark tension in Hukkeri

Past week, clashes between Jarkiholi and Katti followers led to fist fights, verbal abuse and aggressive sloganeering

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Belagavi

THE much-hyped upcoming election for the Belagavi District Central Co-operative (DCC) Bank has taken a disturbing turn, moving away from a democratic process and becoming a battleground of chaos and violence in Hukkeri taluk. The clashes between the followers of District In charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi and former MP Ramesh Katti are surfacing in villages of Hukkeri taluk.

Over the past one week, what was supposed to be peaceful campaign meetings have instead turned into flashpoints of conflict, marked by fist fights, verbal abuse, and aggressive sloganeering. In one shocking incident, a woman was seen grabbing her husband by the collar during a heated exchange, drawing public attention on Tuesday.

The situation has deteriorated to the point where overnight slogan shouting, attempted hijacking of members, and stone-pelting and wooden stick attacks have become disturbingly common, raising serious concerns over the breakdown of law and order on Wednesday.

Public outrage is growing over the inaction of the district administration and police, who have been accused of being silent spectators to the rising tensions. "Elections are meant to be about dialogue and campaigning, but here we are only witnessing goondaism, threats, and hijacking," said concerned citizens, criticising the authorities sharply.