Public celebration of Muharram banned in 29 villages of Raichur district, Karnataka

Decisive action by District Collector Poovitha S.
Decision taken due to law-and-order issues during Muharram in previous years

Raichur (Karnataka) – In the interest of maintaining law and order, public celebrations and processions during Muharram have been prohibited in 29 villages of Raichur district. District Collector and District Magistrate Poovitha S. issued the order under Section 35 of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963.

🚨 Public Muharram Processions Banned in 29 Villages of Raichur District, Karnataka

District Collector Poovitha S. told Sanatan Prabhat that the decision was taken due to recurring law-and-order issues reported during Muharram celebrations in previous years. The action is based… pic.twitter.com/CfAsQTniLs

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) June 18, 2026

A representative of Sanatan Prabhat contacted Poovitha S. to understand the rationale behind the decision. She said that law-and-order problems had arisen during such processions in these 29 villages in the past. The decision was taken on the basis of reports relating to those incidents.

When asked, “How were you able to take such a decision when a Congress Government accused of appeasing minorities is in power in the State?”, she replied that it was purely an administrative decision and should not be viewed from a political perspective.

District Collector of Raichur, Poovitha S.

Duration of the ban

As Muslims observe Muharram from 17 to 26 June, public celebrations of the festival will be prohibited in these villages during that period.

The 29 villages covered by the ban

The order has been issued to maintain law and order in various villages across the Sindhanur, Manvi, Sirwar, Devadurga and Maski talukas of Raichur district.

1. Within the limits of Sindhanur Police Station: Giniwar and Uppal

2. Within the limits of Turvihal Police Station: Nidigol-Tidigol, Hattigudda, Kurkunda and Chikkabargi

3. Within the limits of Balaganuru Police Station: Udbal (U) and Ragalaparvi

4. Within the limits of Manvi Police Station: Nandihal, Janekal, Madalapuru, Jagir Pannuru and Mallina Madagu

5. Within the limits of Sirwar Police Station: Sirwar town, Kadadinni and Bommanal

6. Within the limits of Kavital Police Station: Kavital town, Hirebadaradinni, Bagalwad, Amingad and Gugebal

7. Within the limits of Maski Police Station: Talekhan, Santekallur and Musali Karlakunte

8. Within the limits of Jalahalli Police Station: Chinchodi

9. Within the limits of Gabburu Police Station: Khanapur, Buddinni, Ramdurg and Hirebudur

What does Section 35 of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963 say?

Under this section, Police authorities are granted special powers to maintain public peace, order and security. The provision does not impose a blanket ban on public processions; rather, it empowers the Police to regulate, restrict or, when necessary, prohibit them.

What happens if the law is violated?

If a procession is organised in violation of restrictions or prohibitory orders imposed by the Police, action can be taken under the Police Act. The Police may disperse the gathering and initiate legal proceedings, including fines or arrests, against the organisers.