Karnataka communal clash: Two groups clashed in Karnataka's Mandya district on Wednesday (September 11) after stones were allegedly pelted at a Ganpati idol immersion procession in Nagamangala town. Some shops and vehicles were set afire following the incident.
According to the information, some youths were taking out a procession for Lord Ganpati idol immersion. While they were passing near a dargah in the town, a few miscreants started pelting stones at them, which subsequently led to the clashes. Police have imposed restrictive orders in the area and are on high alert.
52 arrested so far
At least 52 people have been arrested by the police in Mandya today (September 12). A holiday has been declared for educational institutions on Thursday in Nagamangala in Karnataka's Mandya district following riots that broke out over allegations of stone pelting at a Ganpati immersion procession on Wednesday, as per Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwar.
After the incident, people from the Hindu community staged a protest at the local police station, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the stone pelting.
Section 144 imposed till September 14 in the affected area
Mandya Deputy Commissioner Dr Kumar said, "Incident took place in the evening during the Ganesha procession. When the procession reached near a mosque, a few miscreants pelted stones. This has come to our notice. Later there was also a protest. IG, SP and I have visited the spot. We are taking all the measures to control the situation. 2-3 shops were set on fire. As a precautionary measure, Sec 144 CrPC will remain imposed till Sept 14. We are investigating this. Because of fire, there is power cut. I have spoken to GESCOM (Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company Limited)."
"Prohibitory orders were imposed in Mandya district's Nagamangala after a group of miscreants set shops on fire, and two police staff were injured. I have no information related to the machete or other weapons used in the clash. Investigation is underway. We are verifying the reasons for the instigation, our officers are on duty. We have detained a few people and a search is going on. Restriction orders will continue", said South Division IGP MB Boralingaiah.
Karnataka CM appeals masses to maintain peace
"It is clear that the stone pelting that took place at Nagamangala in Mandya district at the time of Ganesha discharge is an act of miscreants which threatens the peace and tranquility of the society. The government has taken this very seriously. More than 50 people have already been arrested in this connection and our first priority is to maintain peace and order in the society", Chief Minister Siddaramaiah posted on X.
"In the past one and a half years without any riots, riots or violence, the country, which was like a garden of peace for all races, will be taken ruthlessly against those who are trying to divide on religious grounds, regardless of caste or religion. I request the public to cooperate with us by maintaining peace and restraint without succumbing to incitement", he added.
Karnataka Home Minister on stone pelting incident
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said, "During Ganesha procession, somebody pelted stones on the procession. In retaliation, these people also responded similarly. Now, everything is under control. We have arrested about 52 persons on both sides. There is nothing to worry, now senior officers are camping there. We have sent an additional force, there should not be any further trouble. Few people have been injured but I will take the details. All precautionary measures were taken (for procession). It is not as if it was totally neglected but instead has happened - yes, we will take all the measures whatever is necessary."
Kumaraswamy condemns stone pelting incident
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy condemned the incident and urged the public to maintain peace. He also hit out at the Congress-led state government over the law and order situation and said that the "despicable incident took place in Nagamangala as a result of over-indulgence and appeasement of a particular community by the party and the state government for political gain".
The JD-S leader further said that the state government should immediately take action to restore peace in the town.
SDPI chief urges Siddaramaiah to deploy additional forces
Karnataka SDPI chief Abdul Majeed urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to instruct the DGP to deploy additional police forces to restore law and order and take necessary actions.
"Direct relevant authorities to take strict measures against such groups that aim to disrupt communal harmony and tarnish the state's reputation," he said in a post on social media platform X tagging the CM.
ALSO READ: Karnataka: Man sets Ola bike showroom on fire in Kalaburagi, surrenders later | VIDEO
ALSO READ: Karnataka High Court rejects school teacher's plea to quash POCSO case over filming of girl students
