Bandh call draws support in Shikaripur as Shivamogga MP joins protest
In Shikaripur, Bajrang Dal activists led a bandh demanding action after an attack on Hindutva workers. BJP MP B. Y. Raghavendra participated, backing calls to curb illegal cattle transport in Shivamogga district.
Key takeaways
- Bajrang Dal activists organized a bandh in Shikaripur with shopkeepers shutting down in solidarity.
- BJP MP B. Y. Raghavendra participated in the protest and spoke about illegal cattle transportation in Shivamogga district.
- Other participants included K. S. Gurumurthy and Vishwa Hindu Parishad leaders Rajesh Gowda and Pradeep.
What Happened
In Shikaripur town of Shivamogga district, a bandh called by Bajrang Dal activists drew a positive response, with many shopkeepers shutting their shutters in solidarity. The protest was organized to condemn an alleged attack on Hindutva activists linked to an incident involving cattle theft from Hartalu village in Hosanagara taluk. The activists reportedly chased a vehicle believed to be transporting stolen cattle, after which the accused assaulted them, injuring a few individuals.
Local political support accompanied the march: the BJP’s Shivamogga unit extended backing to the protest, and its MP, B. Y. Raghavendra, took part in the march. He asserted that a network involved in illegal cattle transportation operated in parts of Shivamogga district and called for stern police action against those involved. Other notable participants included K. S. Gurumurthy, former chairman of the Malnad Area Development Authority, along with Vishwa Hindu Parishad leaders Rajesh Gowda and Pradeep.
The event occurred on a Wednesday, as described in the report published by a national daily on August 20, 2026.
Why It Matters
The participation of a sitting MP and local party figures signals political backing for the concerns raised about illegal cattle transportation and related violence. The gathering underscores ongoing tensions around caste- and community-linked vigilante-style activity in the region and highlights calls for stronger police action against perpetrators.
Background
The protest was framed around an incident in which Hindutva activists were allegedly attacked during a response to cattle theft involving a vehicle and suspected stolen cattle. The day’s demonstrations followed those events and involved multiple organizations aligned with Hindutva groups expressing support for stricter enforcement against cattle theft.
Key Facts
- A bandh was called in Shikaripur by Bajrang Dal activists.
- The protest drew support from shopkeepers who shuttered their businesses.
- The protest was linked to an alleged attack on Hindutva activists connected to a cattle theft incident in Hartalu village, Hosanagara taluk.
- Activists pursued a vehicle transporting cattle; an assault on activists occurred, injuring several individuals.
- BJP MP B. Y. Raghavendra participated in the protest and asserted the existence of a network involved in illegal cattle transport in Shivamogga district.
- Police action, according to the MP, should be strengthened against those involved.
- Other participants included K. S. Gurumurthy, and Vishwa Hindu Parishad leaders Rajesh Gowda and Pradeep.
What Happens Next
The report notes calls for stern police action but does not specify any scheduled follow-up events or official actions beyond the statements made by participants in the protest.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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