Members of some Muslim organisations protest against alleged desecration of holy books in Santi Bastawad village in Belagavi district, on May 12, 2025.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Belagavi police arrest four persons in connection with the alleged desecration of an idgah (open air space for prayers) in Santi Bastawad village. The alleged incident took place in April.

Officers arrested Laxman Yallappa Uchawade, 30, Muttappa Bharma Uchawade, 26, Laxman Nagappa Naik, 30, and Shivaraj Yallappa Gudli, 29. They all hail from the same village.

They face charges of damaging four gumbazs (domes) of the idgah, desecration of some graves and name plates.

Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang told reporters that the accused had confessed to the crime. Investigation officers have found evidence, he added.