Hubli, is now called ‘Chota Bombay,’ in view of a number of banned organisations opening their branches here.
In 2000, a bomb blast rocked a church on Gadag road.
This was the first-ever terror attack in Hubli, followed by the arrest of five persons, including Mohammed Asif (a student in KIMS) in 2007.
The arrested were alleged to be workers of Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).
Later, another bomb blast rocked JMFC court hall in 2008.
Two crude bombs were recovered from beneath a bridge at Venkatapur near Dharwad but the accused have been absolved of the charges.
Hubli, however, made national news following the controversy surrounding the Idgah Maidan.
More than 10,000 outsiders are believed to be the root cause of internal disturbances here.
In 2008, 18 persons believed to be SIMI workers were arrested from across the state.
A charge-sheet was filed against all of them, including five from Hubli.
The trial which began in 2008 is still going on.
According to Ismail Jalgar, the advocate of three of the accused, the case involves hearing of around 350 evidences, but till now only 165 have been heard.