Bidar (Karnataka) (PTI): A group of miscreants barged into Mohammed Gawan Madrasa and a mosque situated inside the heritage site here by breaking open the locked gate, following which police booked cases against nine people.

According to the complainant Mohammed Shafiuddin, who is a mosque committee member, the incident took place when a procession to immerse a 'Durga' idol was passing near the place in the early hours of Thursday.

About 60 people barged into the archaeologically-significant monument by breaking the lock and raised pro-Hindu slogans while 'gulal' was also thrown inside the premises, it was alleged.

The mob also threatened the security personnel deployed there when they raised an alarm.

Reacting to the incident, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi tweeted that "extremists" attempted to desecrate the heritage monument. "Visuals from historic Mahmud Gawan masjid & madrasa, Bidar, #Karnataka (5th October). Extremists broke the gate lock & attempted to desecrate. @bidar_police @BSBommai how can you allow this to happen? BJP is promoting such activity only to demean Muslims," Owaisi said on his Twitter handle.

In his complaint, Shafiuddin alleged the miscreants with malafide intentions to disturb peace, and harmony and create violence in this district headquarters town have been active for a long time. They installed statues or photos on the premises and entered religious and government monuments, he alleged.

"This is also brought to your notice that these persons have been shouting slogans against the country and trying to instigate the other community," Shafiuddin alleged in his complaint.

He also appealed to the police to book them under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Police said they have tightened security around the madrasa following tension in the aftermath of the incident.

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Barasat (PTI): A court in West Bengal’s Barrackpore on Monday convicted three people for killing a councillor of Panihati Municipality in North 24 Parganas district.

Sanjib Pandit, Amit Pandit and Ziarul Mandal were convicted by the SDJM Court, Barrackpore, for the murder of Anupam Dutta, councillor of ward number 8 of the civic body in the city’s northern fringes, on March 13, 2022.

The court would declare the quantum of punishment on December 17.

Dutta was shot dead in the crowded Agarpara North Station Road, and his killing led to massive protests in the area in subsequent days.

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Local MLA Nirmal Ghosh had led a series of protests on B T Road and Tentultala More during March 2022, demanding the arrest of the assailants.

Police arrested one person based on CCTV footage, and nabbed two others after interrogating him.

Dutta's wife became the councilor following his death.

A large crowd from his ward, including many waving TMC flags, had on Monday assembled in front of the court premises, demanding strict punishment for the culprits.