Violence erupted in Nagamangala, a town in Karnataka’s Mandya district, after clashes broke out between two groups during a Ganpati idol immersion procession. The unrest led to the destruction of property, with shops and vehicles set ablaze, forcing local authorities to impose strict curfews to contain the escalating situation.
The altercation reportedly began when a group from Badarikoppalu village was proceeding through the main road with their Ganpati idol. As the procession neared a mosque, unidentified individuals allegedly threw stones, sparking tensions between the communities.
What began as verbal disagreements quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. In the ensuing chaos, several shops were vandalized, and two vehicles were torched. The local police, led by Mandya Superintendent Mallikarjun Baladandi, rushed to the scene to restore order, but the situation worsened as crowds gathered outside the police station, demanding immediate action.
According to SP Baladandi, trouble began when the Ganpati procession paused for an extended period near the mosque. Tensions flared as arguments ensued between the two groups. In an effort to disperse the crowd, the police resorted to a lathicharge, but the unrest spiraled out of control, resulting in further violence, including stone-pelting and arson.
In response to the violence, authorities declared a high alert in the region and imposed Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to prevent further escalation. Despite the intensity of the clashes, police officials confirmed that there were no major injuries, and only a few people sustained minor injuries.
“The situation is now under control,” SP Baladandi assured the media, noting that adequate police personnel had been deployed and fire services were present to handle emergencies.
As of now, peace has been restored, but the incident has left a mark on the town, with both communities urging for swift justice and accountability.
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