Siddaramaiah Government Under Five Over Waqf Property Dispute Leading To Violence In Haveri, Karnataka

The ongoing Waqf property dispute, which has created outrage across Karnataka, has now erupted into violence in Haveri. Enraged by fears of losing their lands, villagers in Kadakola, Savanur taluk, attacked the homes of Muslim leaders on Wednesday night, Amid mounting apprehensions over the property being designated as Waqf land, stones were hurled, injuring six individuals. Following the incident, police detained 32 people and imposed heavy security measures in the village.

The roots of the incident trace back to instructions purportedly issued by the deputy commissioner’s office, directing local officials to list certain properties as Waqf in land records, sparking farmers outrage against the state government. Concerned that the Waqf Board would soon take formal possession of their lands, hundreds of farmers mobilized in protest. Matters turned violent Wednesday night as villagers reportedly stoned the residence of local Muslim leaders damaging property including a parked motorcycle. The tense atmosphere has left the village on edge.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Vijaya Mahantesh Danammanavar and Superintendent of Police Anshu Kumar immediately visited the area to assess the situation. SP Kumar confirmed that the violent unrest had damaged homes, with window glass shattered in the skirmish. Police have since arrested 32 individuals, including three minors, and deployed four KSRP squads with an additional 200 personnel to secure the village, conducting route marches to discourage further disturbances.

The unrest has had a lasting impact on Kadakola. As the village would typically be celebrating Diwali, residents have instead left their homes, fearing police reprisal. The previously lively streets now sit empty, an eerie silence taking over in what locals are calling an ‘ash-covered pit’.

The controversy stems from a recent directive, allegedly issued by district Waqf officials, to reclassify the ownership of 1,649 properties in Haveri district as Waqf officials, to reclassify the ownership of 1,649 properties in Haveri district as Waqf land.