Security has been heightened in Karnataka’s Srirangapatna following Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s call to perform puja at the Jamia mosque, claiming that it was built after razing a Hanuman temple.
Section 144 CrPC has been imposed in the town ahead of VHP’s ‘Srirangapatna Chalo’ march.
However, hundreds of members belonging to Hindu extremist outfit have entered the area shouting slogans against Tippu. Authorities claim they have denied permission for the march.
Besides district police force, contingents of Karnataka State Reserved Police have also been deployed to maintain law and order.
The roads have been barricaded and security pickets have been erected in the town.
Built around 1782 during the rule of Tipu Sultan, Jamia Masjid in Srirangapatna, about 120km from Bengaluru, is a heritage site being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It also runs a Madrassa.
Mandya Deputy Commissioner Aswathi S said that liquor sale is banned within 5 km limits of Srirangapatna on Saturday.
The masjid road has been closed and people are not allowed in the masjid today, adding that CCTV cameras have been installed and a special team has been formed to look after suspicious movements, ANI reported.
(This is a developing story)
