Lingayat Panchamasali Protests in Karnataka Turn Violent After Police Lathi-Charge

Protesters demanding increased reservation clashed with police in Belagavi, leading to injuries, detentions, and political fallout.

The Lingayat Panchamasali community is demanding inclusion in Karnataka's 2A reservation category, which would increase their quota from 5% to 15%.
Protests in Belagavi escalated after demonstrators breached police barricades near the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha during the state legislative session.
Police resorted to a lathi-charge, resulting in injuries to over 10 protesters and the detention of community leader Basavajaya Mrityunjay Swamiji and several BJP lawmakers.
The Congress government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has faced criticism from opposition parties, including BJP and JDS, over the handling of the protests.
The government has stated that it is awaiting a report from the state's Backward Classes Commission before making a decision on the reservation demand.