Violence erupted in Nagamangala, Mandya district, following allegations of stone pelting during a Ganesh immersion procession on Wednesday. In response to the unrest, 52 individuals have been arrested, and a holiday has been declared for local educational institutions.According to Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwar, Yesterdays Nagamangala incident shouldnt have happened. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. The situation is under control. During the procession, there was stone pelting, and later, vehicles were set on fire. No harm has occurred. The SP and IGP are on site, and peace has been restored. I urge that this incident not be given undue publicity. We have arrested 52 individuals from both groups involved.#WATCH | Stone pelting on Ganesh procession in Mandya | Bengaluru: Karnataka HM G Parameshwara says, During Ganesha procession, somebody pelted stones on the procession. In retaliation, these people also responded similarly. Now, everything is under control. We have arrested… pic.twitter.com/DJxYo2m3JF— ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi detailed that the conflict began when the Ganesh procession paused and danced in front of a Dargah. This led to a confrontation with a rival group, resulting in a heated exchange. Although police intervened to de-escalate the situation, tensions flared again when the procession participants protested at the Nagamangala station, accusing the police of hindering their event.Baladandi noted, During the protests, individuals from both sides began throwing stones, and shops and bikes were set on fire. Seven bikes and six small shops were burned, and a total of 15 bikes and a car suffered minor damage.The violence prompted the police to impose prohibitory orders to maintain order in the town. Inspector General of Police MB Boralingaiah stated, Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Nagamangala following the arson and injuries to two police personnel. We are investigating the incident and verifying the causes of the instigation. Our officers are actively patrolling, and restrictions will remain in place.BJP MLC CT Ravi criticized the state government, alleging that the violence was premeditated and accusing authorities of negligence. Communal groups deliberately targeted the Ganesh procession, and their confidence in government protection is unacceptable, he said.
