On 11th September, communal clashes erupted in the Mandya district of Karnataka after stones were pelted at the Ganesh idol near a dargah in Nagamangala town on Mysuru Road.
According to locals and some reports, some Hindu youths were taking out a procession for the immersion of the Ganesh idol in Badarikoppalu village. When the procession was about to cross a dargah on Mysuru Road, people from the Muslim community came and started a heated argument with the Hindu devotees. Following the altercation, members of the Muslim community allegedly pelted stones at the Ganesh idol and displayed lethal weapons.
The violence led to widespread destruction, with reports of shops, bike showrooms, and clothing stores owned by Hindus being set on fire.
The clashes began when a group from Badarikoppalu village was taking out a Ganpati procession. As the procession passed near a mosque on the main road in Nagamangala, it was halted for an extended period, which triggered arguments between the two communities.
The police intervened with lathicharge to disperse the crowd, but tensions escalated further when members of the Muslim community allegedly gathered in large numbers and began throwing stones at the procession from near the mosque.
Mandya Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi explained the situation, stating, “When the Ganesh procession reached near the mosque, they spent more time there without moving further. There were arguments between members of the two communities over this. Police intervened and tried to disperse the crowd. Due to the large number of people, the police had to resort to a lathi charge to control the situation.”
“Following the lathicharge, people protested in front of the police station. Members of the other community also gathered in large numbers and started pelting stones. They even torched a few bikes and shops on the roadside. The situation is now completely under control. We have sufficient police forces, and fire engines are at the spot. No one suffered major injuries; only a few sustained minor injuries,” Baladandi said.
The police have declared a high alert in the area and imposed Section 163 of Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (order issued in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger) to bring the situation under control.
Karnataka’s Congress govt is whitewashing the crimes of their vote bank
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the violence during a Ganesh idol immersion procession at Nagamangala in Mandya district was an act of miscreants that threatened the peace and tranquillity of society and the government has taken very serious note of it.
In his post, he also ensured ruthless action would be taken against those trying to create a divide on religious grounds, regardless of caste or religion.
“Our first priority is to maintain peace and order in the society,” the Chief Minister said in a post on X.
Hindus accusing Congress Govt
“I request the public to cooperate with us by maintaining peace and exercising restraint without succumbing to incitement,” he said.
“I request the public to cooperate with us by maintaining peace and exercising restraint without succumbing to incitement,” he said.
Activists demanded NIA probe in the Mandya clash where a Ganesha procession was attacked & hindu shops burnt. But instead of taking action against the perpetrators, Karnataka Police detained the activists & Lord Ganesha!! This is the price we pay for having a Congress govt!!
BJP condemned the Congress Govt
The opposition BJP condemned the violence, calling it a pre-planned attack by communal forces and demanding an inquiry by senior officers.
BJP MLC CT Ravi criticised the government, saying, “These communal elements feel that no matter what they do, they have their government, which is why they are indulging in these kinds of acts as they please. Those who pelted stones at the Ganpati procession, insulted Lord Ganesha, and set fire to vehicles and shops should be punished. It is unacceptable that people who peacefully participated in the procession and protested against police action were detained.”
Ravi urged the Congress government to take immediate action to curb communal violence and called for a thorough investigation by senior officers.
Meanwhile, family members of the detained people gathered at Nagamangala Police Station, seeking clarification from the authorities.
