Rajyotsava celebrations in Belagavi: Police lathicharge youths for violating law

Police lathi-charged youths who were out to celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava in Belagavi. The youth had ventured out despite restrictions imposed by the administration in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Belgaum (Karnataka): District police lathi-charged youths in Belgaum who were involved in the celebration of Kannada Rajyotsava. The incident has led to public outrage.

Despite restrictions owing to the coronavirus pandemic, people's enthusiasm was no less. Younger people were seen shouting Kannada slogans. Fireworks were also used to celebrate the occasion at the city's Chennamma Circle. The police, who were in the process of dispersing the crowd, charged the celebrants with lathis.

This year the administration did not allow for a parade due to the Covid outbreak. Every year the Rajyotsava parade is held by the district administration. However, this year the police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the youth who gathered in Chennamma circle for the celebration despite restrictions imposed by the administration.