Mandya clash: Stone pelting mars Ganpati procession in Karnataka; Hindu groups protest, lathi-charge follows

NEW DELHI: Police resorted to lathi charge to disperse people protesting the reported stone-pelting during Lord Ganesh idol immersion in Maddur town, Mandya district, on Sunday. The unrest reportedly began when stone-pelting occurred during the immersion procession in Ram Rahim Nagar, allegedly by members of one community, leading to clashes between youths from both communities.

Karnataka home minister G Parmeshwara confirmed that Section 144, which prohibits assembly of more than four people, has been imposed in the area. Several people have also been arrested in connection to the incident. "All those involved in the clashes during Lord Ganesh immersion in Mandya have been arrested, and everything is under control," said G Parmeshwara. Superintendent of police Mallikarjun Baladandi visited the site to review the situation. Police deployed additional forces and carried out the immersion under heavy security. Sensitive areas in Maddur remain under tight police surveillance.

Authorities have urged residents to maintain peace and warned of strict action against those spreading rumours or disturbing communal harmony. The district administration appealed to both communities to cooperate with law enforcement to restore normalcy.