Tensions Erupt in Karnataka's Mandya District Over Ganesh Idol Procession

Tension gripped Karnataka’s Mandya District on Wednesday night after a violent clash erupted during a Ganesh idol immersion procession near a dargah in Nagamangala town on Mysuru Road. Stones were allegedly pelted at the procession, leading to injuries among several people, including police personnel. In response, the police had to resort to lathi-charges to disperse the crowd and restore order.

Ganesh Idol Procession Sparks Altercation

According to sources, the incident unfolded when youths from Badarikoppalu village were conducting a Ganesh idol immersion procession. As the procession approached the area near a dargah on Mysuru Road, tensions flared between members of the Hindu and Muslim communities over the route being taken.

What began as a heated argument quickly escalated, with reports suggesting that some miscreants began pelting stones at the procession. It is also alleged that a few individuals displayed lethal weapons during the altercation, further intensifying the situation.

Protestors Seek Justice After Stone Pelting

Angered by the stone pelting, the participants in the Ganesh idol procession placed the idol in front of the local police station and staged a protest, demanding justice and permission to continue their procession along the Mysuru Road. As news of the incident spread, more people gathered outside the police station, amplifying the protest and calling for action against the attackers.

The protest quickly escalated, with some groups setting fire to a few shops and burning tyres to express their outrage. Fire and Emergency Services personnel were called to the scene and successfully extinguished the flames.

Increased Security and Police Deployment

In the aftermath of the incident, many vehicle riders travelling on the Mysuru-Nagamangala-Bellur road opted to take alternative routes via Bindiganavile and Bogadi to avoid the tension-filled area. As a precautionary measure, higher-ranking police officers are now stationed in the village, and additional police forces have been deployed to prevent further violence.

The situation remains tense but is under control, with authorities closely monitoring the area to ensure peace and prevent any further flare-ups.

VIDEO | Tensions gripped Nagamangala town in Karnataka’s Mandya district earlier today (Wednesday) following clashes between two groups during Ganpati Visarjan. Stones were allegedly thrown on the procession, which led to the clashes. Section 144 has been imposed in the area.… pic.twitter.com/mlx8b4DzgQ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 11, 2024