Situation Tense in Karnataka's Mandya After Stones Thrown at Ganpati Procession; Sector 144 Imposed

Bengaluru: Following clashes between two groups in Karnataka's Mandya during Ganesh idol procession on Wednesday night, several restrictions have been imposed to maintain law and order situation in the city. So far, police have arrested more than 50 people in connection with the violence. 

Further, law enforcement has declared a high alert in the area and imposed Section 144, which restricts a gathering of over five people, to bring the situation under control. Section 163 of BNS has also been imposed. The situation is said to be under control now but continues to remain tense.

Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Thursday tweeted, “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.”

"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 minister N Cheluvarayaswamy also visited the spot in Mandya where violence broke out yesterday. 

High Alert Sounded as Clashes Turn Violent

For the unversed, tensions erupted in Nagamangala town of Mandya after the clashes escalated, leading to widespread destruction. According to sources, a group reportedly set on fire shops, leaving them reduced to ashes. Further, motorcycles parked on the streets were also targeted and set ablaze in acts of vandalism which further intensified the chaos.

Sources revealed that youth from Badarikoppalu village were taking out a procession for Ganesh idol immersion just when it was attacked near a religious structure on the main road in Nagamangala. Stones were allegedly hurled at the procession. Soon after the clashes broke out, police tried to pacify both the groups.

South Division IGP MB Boralingaiah said that prohibitory orders were imposed in Mandya district's Nagamangala in the wake of the violence which witnessed shops being set on fire and left two police staff injured.

News agency ANI quoted Boralingaiah as saying, "Prohibitory orders 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."

Bandh Call in Nagamangala For Tomorrow

Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have given a call for bandh in Nagamangala on Friday, September 13. The bandh announcement was made by Mahesh, the Taluk Secretary of Bajrang Dal.

During the incident, several people including a few police personnel sustained injuries. As tension prevailed in the town, police had to use lathi-charges to bring the situation under control.

Meanwhile, the people participating in the procession, irked by the stone pelting incident, placed the Ganesha idol in front of the police station, and staged a massive protest seeking justice. More people gathered outside the police station after learning about the incident. They staged a protest demanding the police to give permission to take out a procession on the Mysuru Road.

Due to the incident, the vehicle riders plying on the Mysuru-Nagamangala-Bellur road chose to pass on the alternative road via Bindiganavile, Bogadi route. Police higher officers are camping in the village and additional police are deployed as a precautionary measure.