Dharwad govt job aspirants protest: Action against protesters who clashed with cops

Mangalore Today News Network

Dharwad, Feb 26, 2026: A day after a large-scale protest by job aspirants in Dharwad, Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashi Kumar said action would be taken against agitators who allegedly clashed with police during the demonstration.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Kumar said activists of the Akhila Karnataka State Students’ Association deviated from the permitted route and blocked Jubilee Circle. “They clashed with police and strayed from the route assigned to them,” he said.

The Commissioner stated that the protest was documented using five drones and more than 20 private videographers. CCTV footage is also being reviewed. “We will verify whether any laws were violated and take appropriate action,” he added.

Barricades had been set up at four to five locations to ensure the protesters adhered to the designated route. However, some participants reportedly pushed through the barricades and obstructed police personnel from carrying out their duties. “A few police personnel sustained minor injuries in the scuffle,” Kumar said.

He further noted that some individuals involved had previously participated in protests where violations were reported. There is also evidence of water bottles being thrown during the agitation. “No cases have been registered so far,” he clarified.

Kumar said permission had been granted to the Bharatiya Janata Party for a protest rally from Srinagar Circle to Michigan Compound. However, no permission had been given for the AKSA protest. “They joined the protest alongside the BJP,” he said.