Karnataka: Protest erupts in Hubballi over alleged illegal conversion of residential house into mosque

HUBBALLI: Tension prevailed in parts of Hubballi on January 2, after residents staged a large protest alleging that a residential house in the Nehru Nagar–Shivanagar area had been illegally converted into a mosque without civic approval. The protesters demanded immediate demolition of the structure, claiming it violated municipal norms and disturbed communal harmony in a predominantly residential locality.

According to residents, the house in question, located in the Nehru Nagar–Shivanagar locality near Chabbi Plot, was originally constructed after obtaining permission from the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) for residential use. The area is largely inhabited by Hindu families, accounting for nearly 95 per cent of the local population.

Residents said there was no objection when members of a Muslim family built the house or initially resided there. However, the controversy began after the property owners, identified as brothers Zaheer Sarawad and Zakir Sarawad, allegedly stopped using the building as a residence and instead converted it into a place of worship.

Locals alleged that daily prayers were being held on the premises, with 50 to 100 people regularly gathering, causing traffic congestion, noise, and disruption in the neighbourhood. They further claimed that no permission was obtained to change the land use or to operate a religious institution at the site.

Protesters pointed out that at least three mosques already exist within a short radius of the locality and questioned the need for another place of worship in a residential layout without following due process.

The issue had reportedly been simmering for the past five to six months, during which several verbal disputes took place between residents and the property owners. The matter was brought to the notice of the Old Hubballi police station on multiple occasions. Police had summoned both parties and issued warnings to maintain peace and avoid actions that could disturb law and order.

Despite police intervention, residents alleged that religious activities continued at the premises, prompting them to intensify their agitation. On January 2, hundreds of people gathered near Basaveshwara Circle in Nehru Nagar and held a protest demanding immediate action against what they termed an “illegal religious structure”.

Anticipating potential law-and-order issues, the police deployed more than 100 officers to the area. Barricades were erected, and access to the disputed site was restricted to prevent any untoward incidents.

The protest saw the participation of Sri Ram Sena founder Pramod Muthalik, who alleged selective enforcement of the law. Addressing the gathering, Muthalik claimed that while authorities act swiftly against alleged illegal temples or Hindu religious structures, no such action has been taken in this case, despite the absence of clear permissions.

Municipal authorities, including the Hubballi-Dharwad Mayor and senior officials, visited the site on Thursday and conducted an inspection. Officials reportedly issued a notice and set a deadline for the removal of any unauthorised religious activity, stating that action would be taken strictly in accordance with the law.

Civic officials reiterated that any structure, regardless of religion, must comply with building bylaws, zoning regulations, and land-use permissions. “No religious place can function in a residential building without approval. If violations are found, action will follow,” an official said.