Attack On Ganpati Procession: Use Of Petrol Bombs, Swords Suspected In Mandya Violence; Karnataka Police Detains 46

The Karnataka Police has detained 46 individuals so far in connection with communal clashes between two groups in Mandya's Nagamangala during a Ganpati idol immersion procession on Wednesday (11 September).

The violence started after stones were hurled at the procession allegedly from near a mosque. As a result, six shops were set on fire and Section 144 was imposed until midnight on 14 September.

A holiday for schools and colleges were declared, while the police continued detaining several individuals in late at night on Wednesday and in the early hours of Thursday.

Since many of the detainees are minors, their parents gathered around the police station demanding to release them and claiming their innocence. However, the police said, "The law will take its course."

"Investigations will reveal whether petrol bombs and swords were used. For now, Section 144 remains in effect," the Mandya Superintendent of Police (SP) Mallikarjun Baladandi said.

The damaged shops included a utensil store and a bangle shop. Items worth several lakhs, including decorative goods, were destroyed, engulfing the town in smoke, The New Indian Express reported.

Among the hardest hit was a textile merchant, whose shop valued at Rs 1.5 crore was entirely burned down. Moreover, 13 small establishments were damaged in the ruckus.

Police intervened and tried to disperse the crowd. Due to the large number of people, the police had to resort to lathi-charge to control the situation. Following that, people protested in front of the police station.