The preliminary investigation into the Hubballi violence has revealed that it was pre-planned, police sources said. The police have collected videos which reveal the planning for the violence that happened on April 16 in the commercial hub of north Karnataka.

A violent mob outside the police station sought the beheading of a youth, who had put up an objectionable post in social media. The mob shouted slogans that called for violence, like "What is the punishment for the guilty" and "Beheading is the only punishment for the guilty."