States » SouthPosted at: Nov 2 2026 6:48PM


Karnataka police book Maharashtra Shivpremis

Bengaluru, Nov 2 (UNI) Karnataka Police have registered cases against a group of Shivpremis from Maharashtra for installing protective canopies at the memorials of Chhatrapati Shahaji Raje Bhosale and elder Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Karnataka, triggering resentment among history enthusiasts in Maharashtra.
The controversy centres on the installation of protective structures, known as Meghadambaris, at the two historic memorial sites in Karnataka. The group maintained that the initiative was undertaken to protect the memorials from exposure to sun and rain and preserve their historical significance.
Addressing a press conference in Pune, Dr Gaurav Ghode, president of Shri Swami Om Malhari Pratishthan, questioned the registration of cases against those involved in the initiative, arguing that their objective was heritage conservation and not causing damage to any public or private property.
According to the organisation, Shahaji Raje Bhosale's memorial at Hodigere in Davanagere district and the memorial of elder Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj at Kanakagiri in Koppal district had remained neglected for years.
The group claimed that Shahaji Raje's memorial was exposed to harsh weather conditions, while the surroundings of the Kanakagiri memorial were overgrown with thorny bushes and lacked proper maintenance.
In an effort to protect the structures, the Shivpremis reportedly spent around Rs 10.5 lakh from their own resources and installed canopies weighing approximately 450 kg at Hodigere and 400 kg at Kanakagiri.
Ghode said the group had undertaken the work with the intention of preserving the memorials of historical figures associated with the Maratha legacy and had neither intended to hurt anyone's sentiments nor damage any property.
The organisation has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Maharashtra Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers to intervene and take up the matter with the Karnataka government.
It has also sought an impartial inquiry into the cases registered against the volunteers and demanded that they be withdrawn.
The group further called for coordinated intervention by the archaeological authorities and the governments of Karnataka and Maharashtra to ensure permanent roofing, protective walls, regular cleaning, beautification and maintenance of both memorial sites.
It also appealed to descendants of the Chhatrapati family and political leaders cutting across party lines to take up the preservation of the historic sites.
UNI BDN
Tags: #Karnataka police book Maharashtra Shivpremis
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