Fri Mar 14 13:48:03 UTC 2025: ## Holi Revelers, Not Language Activists, Blamed for Bus Vandalism in Maharashtra

**Belagavi, March 14, 2025** – A North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) bus was vandalized in Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra on Friday, sparking initial claims of a language-based attack. However, police have refuted these claims, attributing the damage to Holi revelers.

While some Kannada organizations alleged that pro-Marathi activists were responsible, and Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activists pointed the finger at Shiv Sena members, Superintendent of Police Bheemashankar S. Guled stated the incident was unrelated to the ongoing language dispute. He confirmed that the vandalism involved stone-throwing and the throwing of water and soot-filled bottles at both NWKRTC and Maharashtra State Transport buses.

Police have arrested 20 individuals, all of whom are reportedly participants in Holi celebrations. Maharashtra police corroborated the account, stating that the incident was not linked to the language issue.

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