What Led to Prohibitory Orders in K'taka's Maddur After Ganesh Visarjan Violence?

Mandya (Karnataka), Sep 8 (NationPress) Prohibitory orders have been enacted by the Karnataka Police in Maddur town until Tuesday morning due to the violence that erupted during the Ganesh Visarjan. The situation escalated on Monday as protestors, denouncing the violence, congregated near the mosque in Ram Rahim Nagar, the location of the stone-pelting incident. Despite the prohibitory orders, they staged a protest, which resulted in a baton-charge by police.

The police lathi-charged the protestors, including women, who ignored their warnings to disperse from the already tense area.

Reports of stone-pelting emerged from the scene, leading to the deployment of additional police forces to uphold law and order in the town.

Consequently, the atmosphere in Maddur has become increasingly volatile, with shops and businesses remaining shuttered throughout Monday.

In response to the unrest, N. Cheluvarayaswamy, Minister for Agriculture and District Incharge Minister for Mandya, attributed the blame to the Opposition, alleging that the BJP is intent on instigating communal violence in the area.

"They do not want progress. The incident occurred on Sunday night. I acknowledge that stone-pelting happened from the mosque. An FIR has been filed, and 21 individuals have been apprehended.

"The police have yet to file a counter-case, and the investigation remains focused on the stone-pelting complaint. Nevertheless, they continue to protest, reflecting their mindset.

"Actions have been taken against those responsible, considering the significance and emotional ties associated with the Ganesh festival. The BJP aims to escalate the situation into a communal conflict. This is their mentality," stated Minister Cheluvarayaswamy.

When questioned about the police's inability to avert the stone-pelting during the Ganesh Visarjan, he responded, "The incident occurred from a distance, not on the road. We have no issues with peaceful demonstrations, but they must be sanctioned. The BJP cannot accept that the Congress-led government in Karnataka is functioning effectively, and they seek nothing but communal discord. This has been evident in their Assembly speeches."

"I have updated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah about these developments. The Deputy Commissioner, IG, and SP are present on the ground, overseeing the situation in Maddur," he added, characterizing it as a conspiracy involving the BJP, JD(S), and certain right-wing organizations.

Mandya SP Mallikarjun Baladandi confirmed, "The prohibitory orders will remain until Tuesday morning. Two FIRs have been filed regarding the Ganesh Visarjan violence, and three police officers sustained injuries during the episode. Among those arrested, two hail from Channapatna, while the remainder are locals."