A dispute during a pre-wedding photoshoot at the Bhairaveshwara Temple in Maragunda village, located in Karnataka’s Sakleshpur taluk, escalated into violence after photographers were allegedly assaulted by locals over claims that they had entered the temple premises wearing shoes.
According to reports, the incident resulted in injuries to four to five photographers, who were later treated at a nearby taluk hospital. The photographers stated that they were attacked without warning and further alleged that their cameras and mobile phones were damaged during the assault.
In contrast, local residents defended their actions by arguing that the sanctity of the temple had been compromised. They claimed that increasing tourist activity and pre-wedding photoshoots were not only disturbing the religious environment but also causing environmental damage and violating traditional dress and conduct norms within the temple premises. They urged authorities to take steps to preserve the site’s religious significance.
Following the incident, the injured photographers approached the police and filed a complaint. However, alleging that no FIR had been registered, a large number of photographers gathered outside the Sakleshpur Rural Police Station to protest.
The protest soon turned tense, with heated exchanges between the photographers and local residents leading to brief physical altercations. Police reportedly struggled to control the situation as tensions escalated outside the station.
The Hassan District Photographers’ Association has demanded strict action against those involved in the assault. Meanwhile, with conflicting claims from both sides, police have initiated an investigation to determine the sequence of events and take appropriate action.
