Tensions flared in the Maddur town of Mandya district, Karnataka, as protests against a stone-pelting incident during a Ganesh idol immersion procession descended into fresh chaos on Monday. The situation, which has been volatile since Sunday night, saw another round of stone pelting and a subsequent police lathi-charge as protesters expressed their outrage.
The initial incident occurred on Sunday when a Ganesh procession was passing through the Ram Rahim Nagar area. According to police and local reports, stones were allegedly thrown at the procession from a nearby location, leading to clashes between two groups. The violence resulted in injuries to eight people, who were subsequently hospitalized.
In the aftermath of the initial incident, a large crowd, including members of Hindu organizations and political activists from the BJP and RSS, gathered on Monday to protest against the stone pelters and demand action from authorities. The protest intensified, and another round of stone pelting reportedly began.
To control the escalating situation and disperse the crowd, police were forced to resort to a lathi-charge. Videos and reports from the ground show police chasing and hitting protesters to bring the situation under control. Following the lathi-charge, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which prohibits the assembly of more than four people, have been imposed in the area.
Mandya’s Superintendent of Police, Mallikarjun Baladandi, and other senior officials rushed to the scene to review the situation. Police have deployed additional forces and are maintaining a tight vigil in sensitive areas of the town to prevent any further escalation. According to Home Minister G. Parameshwara, more than 20 people have been detained in connection with the incidents.
The district administration has appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement to restore peace. They have also warned against the spread of rumors, which have the potential to further inflame communal tensions. The situation remains tense but is reportedly under control with the heavy police presence.
