India: Protest Breaks Out in Karnataka Over Quran Desecration

Hundreds of Muslims in Belagavi district, Karnataka, protested on Monday evening following the reported desecration of Islamic scriptures at a mosque under construction in Santibastwad village, Iqna reported.

The incident came to light when worshippers found copies of the Quran and Hadiths missing during morning prayers. A search uncovered charred remains of these religious texts in a nearby field, escalating tensions locally.

The demonstrators, including residents from Santibastwad and Belagavi city, marched to the deputy commissioner’s office demanding swift action and immediate arrests of those responsible. Police efforts to calm the crowd initially failed. The protest lasted about two hours and ended after officials promised to identify and apprehend the culprits within three days.

Yusuf Mujawar, a local resident, noted the mosque’s CCTV system had been removed for repairs just a day before, suggesting the perpetrators exploited this. He also criticized local ministers for not visiting the site, accusing them of neglecting the Muslim community. Police continue to investigate the case.