As of Thursday morning, Karnataka Police have arrested 46 individuals in connection with the violence that erupted in Nagamangala town, Mandya district. The unrest followed a stone-pelting incident targeting Hindu devotees during a Ganapati idol procession near a dargah.
BJP MLC Criticized Congress
The arrests include members from both Hindu and Muslim communities. BJP MLC CT Ravi criticized the Congress government for apprehending Hindu devotees who are office-bearers of the organizing committee while not taking action against the Muslim rioters who reportedly hurled petrol bombs and engaged in violence. “The police’s actions are unacceptable. We need a high-level committee to investigate and take strict action,” Ravi demanded.
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Ravi alleged that more than 25 shops were destroyed by petrol bombs, indicating a premeditated attack. He noted that similar attempts had occurred in previous years and criticized the police for failing to act despite prior warnings. “The police’s inaction shows a failure to control the situation. It seems that extremist forces believe they are above the law under this government,” Ravi charged.
He further stated that authorities should punish those who attacked the Ganesh Visarjan procession, hurled petrol bombs, and set fire to shops, rather than arresting those who organized and condemned the violence. Ravi expressed concern that these incidents, including the burning of an electric bike showroom in Kalaburagi and assaults on doctors in Chikkamagaluru, might be orchestrated by a specific group with a targeted agenda.
About The Karnataka Incident
Sources reported that the Ganesh idol procession, installed at Badarikoppal, faced sudden stone-pelting near the dargah on Mysuru Road. The incident escalated into a clash as the groups began pushing and fighting. The Hindu devotees protested outside the police station, demanding action against the attackers.
Violence intensified as both communities clashed, leading to a police lathi charge. The mob threw stones and slippers at officers, injuring more than two constables. The police managed to seize talwars from the youths but faced further violence as the mob torched vehicles and a scrap godown. Fire services quickly extinguished the flames.
During the chaos, one group threw stones at police and attacked vehicles with iron rods. Police reinforcements deploy to disperse the rioters. BJP Karnataka criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara for their handling of the situation, accusing them of promoting appeasement politics and failing to protect the procession.
Home Minister Parameshwara
Home Minister Parameshwara described the incident as an “accidental clash” rather than a communal conflict. He mentions although no lives lost, the police deploy additional forces to the scene. Parameshwara urged against political exploitation of the incident, stating that investigations and legal actions are underway based on captured evidence. He also addressed concerns about the PSI recruitment exam, confirming that it will proceed on September 28 to accommodate aspirants’ requests.
Parameshwara further mentioned that discussions regarding the age limit for police constable recruitment are ongoing, with decisions expected after reviewing information from other states.
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