Mandya Superintendent of Police (SP) Mallikarjun Baladandi told reporters in Nagamangala that the situation was under control. The SP said that the incident was the aftermath of the people in the Ganesh Idol procession dancing and playing loud music at a sensitive spot (said to be in front of a Dargah) for over five minutes.
Published Sep 12, 2024 | 12:04 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 12, 2024 | 12:04 PM
Karnataka police detain 46 people over clash between two groups during Ganesha idol procession in Mandya. Representative Image. (iStock)
Mandya police in Karnataka took at least 46 people into custody, following the altercation between the two religious groups at Nagamangala during the final procession of Lord Ganesha, ahead of the immersion of the idol, said sources on Thursday, 12 September.
The situation returned to normalcy after the police have tightened the security across the town. Meanwhile, the district administration imposed section 144 of the CrPC. The administration also declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Thursday.
At least 20 bikes and a car have been either fully or partially damaged in the incident that occurred on Wednesday. As many as six shops have been set on fire and several shops have been damaged as well.
On Wednesday, it was reported that unknown miscreants, pelted stones on the idol of Hindu God Ganesha during the final procession.
Meanwhile, the organisers demanding action against the miscreants, staged a protest before the Nagamangla Police Station.
Mandya Superintendent of Police (SP) Mallikarjun Baladandi told reporters in Nagamangala that the situation was under control.
“Police personnel are patrolling sensitive localities. We have also imposed restrictions and declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Nagamangala on Thursday,” the official said.
“We are identifying the miscreants involved in this incident. We have taken 46 people into custody and are interrogating them. We expect to take more people into custody,” Baladandi added.
The SP said a total of seven bikes and six shops had been set on fire and several shops were damaged as miscreants pelted stones and attacked them.
“Around 15 bikes have been partially damaged. Two police personnel sustained minor injuries but are in good health. There are no reports of public injuries. If any complaints arise, we will consider them,” he added.
When asked about the families of those detained showing up at the police station, he said: “They came with their family members and relatives, believing that they have been arrested. We informed them that if anyone is found to be involved in the incident, they will be arrested. If not, they will be released after questioning.”
“We have detained 46 people, but none have been arrested yet. The inquiry is ongoing. We will arrest those found to be involved,” Baladandi said.
The SP said that the incident was the aftermath of the people in the Ganesha Idol procession dancing and playing loud music at a sensitive spot (said to be in front of a dargah) for over five minutes.
“While the procession was passing through a sensitive area, the organizers were dancing for about five to seven minutes at the same spot. Meanwhile, another group asked them to move ahead instead of dancing there,” Baladandi said.
“This led to an altercation between the two groups. Police intervened and dispersed the gathering. Later, those in the procession went to the police station and claimed they were beaten and restricted from moving to other places,” added the Mandya SP.
“We tried to convince them and assured them they would be allowed to proceed with the immersion of Lord Ganesha. Meanwhile, more people gathered from both groups and started pelting stones. There was no physical clash between the groups as they maintained distance,” he said.
“They were throwing stones at each other. Police tried to pacify the crowd. Some individuals set fire to nearby shops and bikes as they were leaving. We brought the situation under control by 10 pm. We are also reviewing CCTV footage and have collected videos. The investigation will be based on this evidence,” he added.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
