BANGALORE: Karnataka Police have arrested 46 individuals in connection with recent violence in Nagamangala town, Mandya district. The unrest followed a stone-pelting incident targeting Hindu devotees during the Ganapati idol procession near a dargah. Those arrested include members from both Hindu and Muslim communities.
BJP MLC C.T. Ravi has criticized the Congress government, accusing it of arresting Hindu devotees—some of whom are committee office-bearers—instead of the Muslim rioters who allegedly threw petrol bombs. "The police action is unacceptable. A high-level inquiry should be conducted, and strict measures must be taken," Ravi said.
Ravi pointed out that more than 25 shops were destroyed by petrol bombs, suggesting a premeditated attack. He claimed that there was a similar attempt to disrupt last year's Ganesh procession and criticized the police for failing to act despite prior warnings. He urged the government to address the issue of religious extremism and ensure justice for those affected.
Ravi also compared this incident to others, like the burning of a bike showroom in Kalaburagi and assaults on doctors in Chikkamagaluru, implying that these incidents were orchestrated by specific groups with a targeted agenda.
Sources report that the Ganesh idol procession faced violence when a group from another community began pelting stones. The situation escalated with demands for the Hindu devotees to stop playing drums near the dargah, leading to physical altercations.
Devotees protesting outside the police station demanded action against the attackers and sought the arrest of those responsible for disrupting the procession. Witnesses claimed that the attackers wielded swords and issued threats, leading to further clashes.
The violence involved stone-pelting at shops, petrol bomb attacks, and vehicle burnings. Police reinforcements were needed to control the situation, and several officers sustained injuries. Despite police efforts to quell the violence, the mob continued their attacks, resulting in extensive damage and injuries.
The BJP took to social media, questioning Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara about the state of security in Mandya. They criticized the government for alleged appeasement politics and ineffective police protection.
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