The Karnataka Police on Thursday detained 52 people in connection with the communal clashes that broke out in the state’s Mandya district during a Ganpati procession on Wednesday, September 11.
According to the police, clashes happened in the district’s Badarikoppalu village when stones were thrown, allegedly from near a mosque, at some people when they were taking out the Ganpati procession.
Several Hindu youths then placed the Ganesh idol in front of the police station and staged a protest seeking justice. A group also set fire to a few shops and torched tyres to express their outrage, further escalating tensions.
Following the detention of the people, their relatives gathered in front of a local police station, demanding their release.
“Our people did nothing wrong. They were arrested for no reason,” a man said while demanding the release of the people who were detained by the police.
Meanwhile, the police said that people were brought for questioning in connection with the matter.
“We have brought them in for questioning. Those who have done nothing wrong will be released,” a police official said.
The police have declared a high alert in the area and imposed Section 163 of Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (order issued in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger) to bring the situation under control.
Speaking about the law and order situation in the district, Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwar said, “The situation is under control and peaceful. Police have taken control of it. 52 people have been detained, and somebody pelted stones during the Ganesh procession. Everything is under control now.”
The incident in Karnataka comes days after six minors were arrested in Gujarat’s Surat after they allegedly pelted stones at a Ganesh pandal, resulting in clashes.