What Happened During the Ganesh Visarjan Violence in Karnataka?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Stone-pelting incident disrupts Ganesha procession in Maddur.
- Over 20 individuals detained by police.
- Six people reported injuries during the incident.
- Community expresses outrage through protests.
- Historical violence during Ganesh Visarjan raises concerns.
Mandya (Karnataka), Sep 8 (NationPress) Tensions escalated in the town of Maddur, located in Mandya district, Karnataka, on Monday following a stone-pelting incident during a Ganesha procession. This altercation took place on Sunday night, resulting in the police detaining over 20 individuals linked to the violence. Six people sustained injuries during the event.
Reports indicate that stone-pelting originated from the Ram-Rahim Nagar area of Maddur. Local residents claimed that the aggression began suddenly from a nearby mosque and from the rooftops of surrounding homes, causing widespread panic. Both devotees and Hindu activists condemned these actions vehemently.
Law enforcement swiftly managed to restore order and avert further violence in the area.
In response to the violence, devotees and Hindu activists organized a protest, voicing their anger and accusing police of assaulting participants in the procession. Protesters chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' as they demanded accountability for those responsible.
Residents reported that devotees were instructed to turn off their music while passing by the mosque and to expedite the immersion process. Although they complied with these requests, the lights near the mosque abruptly went out, and stone-pelting ensued against the procession attendees.
Due to the delicate nature of the situation, police detained 20 individuals by midnight and implemented stringent security measures in the area. Further developments are anticipated.
This incident is reminiscent of last year’s violence in Nagamangala town during the Ganesh Visarjan procession, where a group allegedly attacked a peaceful immersion procession with weapons, leading to chaos and destruction. The BJP had established a fact-finding committee to verify these claims, with its state President B.Y. Vijayendra demanding an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Vijayendra criticized the government for alleged inaction during these attacks on Hindus, asserting that the police's inability to act stemmed from a lack of authority granted by the government.