Tensions Flare In Karnataka's Nagamangala As Communal Clashes Erupt After Stones Pelted During Ganpati Procession

Nagamangala town in Karnataka’s Mandya district witnessed heightened tensions as communal clashes broke out between two groups during a Ganpati idol immersion procession on Wednesday (11 September).

In the aftermath, shops and businesses were set ablaze, forcing the police to impose restrictive orders in the area.

According to preliminary reports, residents of Badarikoppalu village were taking out a Ganpati idol immersion procession through Nagamangala’s main road when stones were hurled at them allegedly from near a mosque.

The situation quickly escalated into violent clashes between the two groups, with shops being vandalised and two vehicles set on fire.

Police attempted to bring the situation under control.

Meanwhile, enraged members of the Hindu community staged a protest at the local police station, calling for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators involved.

Mandya Superintendent of Police (SP) Mallikarjun Baladandi reportedly said that when the procession arrived near the mosque, they spent more time there without moving.

"There were arguments between members of the two communities over this. Police intervened and tried to disperse the crowd. Due to the large number of people, the police had to resort to lathicharge to control the situation. Following that, people protested in front of the police station. Members of the other community also gathered in large numbers and started throwing stones. They even torched a few bikes and shops on the roadside," the SP said, India Today reported.

Some videos showed a group of people throwing stones at the other group.

As a precautionary measure, the police declared a high alert in the area and invoked Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (order issued in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger) to bring the situation under control.

SP Baladandi said that the situation is now "completely under control".

"We have sufficient police forces, and fire engines are at the spot. No one suffered major injuries; only a few sustained minor injuries," he added.

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