What Happened to Om Shakti Devotees During Stone-Pelting Incident?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka Police have detained three minors in connection with the incident.
- Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed ongoing investigations.
- Community tensions have escalated following the event.
- Two injuries were reported during the stone-pelting incident.
- Protesters are demanding safety measures for devotees.
Bengaluru, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Karnataka Police apprehended three minors on Monday related to a stone-pelting incident aimed at Om Shakti devotees within the JJ Nagar police station jurisdiction in Bengaluru.
The arrests were made following suspicions and accounts provided by the Om Shakti devotees.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara informed the public that four to five minors had participated in the stone-throwing incident, which occurred during the Om Shakti worship on Sunday night. The detained minors are aged between 15 and 17 years. Authorities are investigating to identify who incited them to throw stones.
“Legal action will be initiated as per existing laws. The detained individuals are minors aged between 15 and 17 years, and we will investigate the provocations behind their actions. Once the facts are established, we will proceed with appropriate measures,” he stated.
“BJP leaders have been vocal in their statements and have not refrained from commenting. Whenever such incidents arise, BJP representatives are the first to intervene. We took legal steps even before they voiced their opinions. The accused have been detained. Additionally, the BJP should clarify what further actions they expect,” he remarked.
DCP (West) N. Yathish confirmed that a complaint has been lodged concerning the stone-pelting during the Om Shakti procession within the JJ Nagar police station limits. An FIR has already been filed, and information is being gathered, assuring devotees that the suspects will be apprehended.
The police have deployed the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) to maintain order in the area. DCP Yathish visited the local police station and is actively monitoring developments.
Reports indicate that two women suffered injuries during the incident. Currently, no CCTV footage is available to the police. They are gathering information on-site and have identified certain individuals. Special teams have been formed to capture the stone-throwers. Devotees have expressed that they have long faced disturbances, claiming miscreants even set fire to locations during Hindu religious events.
It is important to note that tension escalated in Bengaluru's sensitive JJ Nagar area on Sunday night when stones were allegedly thrown at a Hindu religious ritual conducted as part of the Om Shakti pooja.
Following the incident, a large crowd gathered outside the JJ Nagar Police Station, demanding swift action against those accountable for the alleged stone-pelting.
The Om Shakti festival was in progress at the time, with devotees alleging that stones were thrown from an area occupied by members of another community during the chariot procession of the deity.
The event during the Hindu religious festival incited outrage among Hindu organizations, leading to a significant gathering in front of the JJ Nagar Police Station.
Protesters claimed that they encounter such issues on a daily basis, expressing their fears and demanding the construction of a wall in the area to protect them from being targeted. They reported that miscreants routinely throw filthy water on devotees, attempt to set fire to worship venues, and throw stones. They indicated that their patience has worn thin and that such incidents must cease.
Furthermore, protesters expressed concerns that it has become increasingly difficult for women and girls to move freely in the area, alleging frequent targeting of women and children. They claimed that those who speak out or resist are singled out for harassment, demanding government protection.