Two injured in Raichur clash over church and temple at Bichali Camp
Raichur: Tensions flared at Bichali Camp in Raichur taluk on Tuesday after a dispute between two groups over the site of a church and an Anjaneya temple escalated into stone-pelting, leaving two persons injured. The injured are receiving treatment at the Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) hospital.
The dispute centres around a church and an Anjaneya shrine constructed roughly 50 metres apart at a rehabilitation site where no residents have settled yet. According to local sources, the disagreement has been simmering for the past two months. Although local authorities had previously convened peace committee meetings to resolve the issue, fresh arguments broke out on Tuesday, quickly turning violent.
In response, Raichur Assistant Commissioner (sub-divisional magistrate) Hampanna Sajjan imposed prohibitory orders for seven days in Bichali and Bichali Camp to maintain law and order and prevent further untoward incidents. The orders restrict the assembly of people and the carrying of weapons.
Superintendent of Police Arunangshu Giri said, “A verbal altercation broke out between representatives of the church and the Anjaneya temple. Following the clash, a case has been registered at the Yergera Police Station. An officer of the DSP rank is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.”
The police have appealed to all communities to maintain peace and cooperate with the investigation. Additional police personnel have been deployed in the area as a precautionary measure. The district administration has also announced that a fresh peace committee meeting will be held to address the underlying issue and find a durable solution.
Officials said the rehabilitation site was part of a government resettlement scheme, and the construction of religious structures there may require prior approval. They added that the administration is examining the legality of the structures and will take appropriate action in accordance with the law. Residents of nearby areas have expressed concern that such disputes could disrupt communal harmony, and have urged both sides to resolve the matter through dialogue.
This incident highlights the need for clear guidelines on the construction of religious buildings in public or resettlement areas, and for timely intervention by authorities to prevent minor disagreements from escalating into violence. The investigation is ongoing.
