Ganesh 'visarjan' procession turns violent in India's Karnataka; 52 held as tensions escalate near mosque

Karnataka police detained 52 people on Thursday (Sep12) following communal clashes that erupted in Mandya district during a Ganpati procession on Wednesday(Sep 11).

Officials said that the violence broke out in Badarikoppalu village when stones were allegedly thrown from an area near a mosque at participants in the Ganpati procession. In response, several Hindu youths placed the Ganesh idol in front of the local police station and staged a protest, demanding justice. A group set fire to shops and tyres, escalating the tensions.

Relatives of the detained individuals later gathered outside the police station, calling for their release. The police clarified that those taken into custody were being questioned regarding the incident.

VIDEO | Tensions gripped Nagamangala town in Karnataka's Mandya district earlier today (Wednesday) following clashes between two groups during Ganpati Visarjan. Stones were allegedly thrown on the procession, which led to the clashes. Section 144 has been imposed in the area.… pic.twitter.com/mlx8b4DzgQ — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 11, 2024

Videos circulating on social media showed both groups involved in stone-pelting. To manage the situation, police officials declared a high alert in the area and imposed Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which deals with urgent situations involving public nuisance or potential danger.

Mandya Superintendent of Police, Mallikarjun Baladandi, said, "There were arguments between members of the two communities over this. Police intervened and tried to disperse the crowd. Due to the large number of people, the police had to resort to lathi-charge to control the situation. Following that, people protested in front of the police station. Members of the other community also gathered in large numbers and started throwing stones. They even torched a few bikes and shops on the roadside."

“Due to a large number of people, the police had to resort to lathi-charge to control the situation. Following that, people protested in front of the police station. Members of the other community also gathered in large numbers and started throwing stones. They even torched a few bikes and shops on the roadside,” he added.

This incident follows a similar event in Gujarat's Surat, where six minors were arrested after allegedly throwing stones at a Ganesh pandal, which led to clashes.

(With inputs from agencies)