What Happened in K'taka During Ganesh Visarjan Violence?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- A total bandh was observed in Maddur town.
- Over 1,500 policemen were deployed for security.
- A peace meeting is scheduled with the Agriculture Minister.
- 22 arrests have been made regarding the stone-pelting incident.
- Prohibitory orders include a ban on liquor sales.
Mandya, Sep 9 (NationPress) A complete bandh was being observed in Maddur town of Karnataka's Mandya district on Tuesday, in response to the attack on the Ganesh Visarjan procession and the lathicharge on protesting Hindu activists. Shops and businesses remained closed across Maddur, with over 1,500 policemen deployed to uphold law and order.
The Minister for Agriculture, N. Cheluvarayaswamy, responsible for Mandya district, is set to convene a peace committee meeting at 3 p.m. in a local convention hall.
In a statement to the press, Mallikarjun Baladandin, Superintendent of Police in Mandya district, remarked, "The police have instituted various measures to ensure peace and maintain law and order in Maddur, following Sunday night’s stone-pelting incident during the Ganesh Visarjan celebration and the subsequent protest and procession by Hindu activists on Monday. Prohibitory orders are still in effect on Tuesday, and liquor sales have been suspended until tomorrow."
"Due to the bandh, police are on high alert for any provocations and are actively working to prevent any disturbances. Enhanced security measures have been implemented, and patrolling has been intensified. Sensitive areas are under close surveillance," the SP noted.
"The deployment includes four SPs, four Additional SPs, 15 Deputy SPs, 30 police inspectors, and 800 police personnel. Additionally, 15 platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) and 10 platoons of District Armed Reserve (DAR) are stationed in Maddur," SP Baladandin added.
Regarding the stone-pelting incident, the SP mentioned that a list of 26 individuals involved has been compiled, with 22 already apprehended. The search for the remaining four is ongoing. "The arrested individuals have been placed in judicial custody but will be returned to police custody for further investigation," he stated.
"They will be interrogated to ascertain who incited them and whether other parties were involved. All participants have been detained, except for the four who remain at large. We are reviewing CCTV footage and video evidence to track individual movements during the stone-pelting incident," he elaborated.
When questioned about reports of swords being brandished and matches being lit during the procession by Hindu activists in Maddur, he replied, "There is no CCTV footage to confirm this. Investigative teams are continuing their work, and action will be taken as soon as evidence emerges."