In Nagamangala, Mandya district, 52 individuals have been arrested and a holiday has been declared for educational institutions following riots triggered by allegations of stone-pelting during a Ganesh immersion procession on Wednesday, according to Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwar.
“Wednesday’s incident in Nagamangala was unfortunate, but thankfully there were no injuries. The situation is now under control. During the procession, stones were thrown, and vehicles were set on fire. There have been no reports of harm. The SP and IGP are on-site, and peace has been restored. Both groups involved in the altercation have been arrested,” Parmeshwar stated.
Mandya Superintendent of Police, Mallikarjun Baladandi, detailed that the unrest began when the Ganesh procession paused to dance in front of a Dargh for several minutes. This led to a confrontation with another group, resulting in a verbal exchange that was initially managed by the police. However, tensions escalated, leading to a protest by the Ganesh procession group outside the Nagamangala police station, blaming the police for halting their procession. The police intervened, allowing the procession to continue, but the situation deteriorated, with both sides throwing stones at each other and setting fire to shops and motorcycles.
Baladandi reported that seven motorcycles and six small shops were set ablaze, while 15 motorcycles and a car sustained minor damage. The police have since brought the situation under control, with officials conducting patrols throughout the town.
BJP MLC CT Ravi criticized the state government, accusing it of failing to act against the perpetrators of the violence. “In Nagamangala, communal elements threw stones and slippers at the Ganesh procession and set over 25 shops on fire. This incident was premeditated, as was last year’s. The perpetrators are emboldened by their belief that the current government will protect them. I demand strict action against those responsible and an investigation under senior supervision,” he said.
The police have imposed prohibitory orders in Nagamangala to maintain order. “Prohibitory orders were enacted following the fire-setting and injuries to two police personnel. I have no information on the use of weapons in the clash. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the provocation. Our officers are on duty, and search operations are underway. Restriction orders will remain in place,” stated MB Boralingaiah, Inspector General of Police, South Division.