Prohibitory orders imposed in Maddur town in Mandya following stone-pelting during Ganesha procession

Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Maddur town after a stone pelting incident was reported during Ganesha idol immersion procession on Sunday (September 7) night.

At least eight persons, who suffered injuries due to stone pelting, have been discharged from the hospital after medical treatment.

Superintendent of Mandya district police Mallikarjun Baladandi told reporters on Monday (September 8) that the police had taken a total of 21 persons into custody. About five to six more persons, who were reportedly involved in the trouble, had been identified and efforts were on to arrest them as well, he said.

He said that additional police personnel, including six platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP), had been deployed in the town and the situation has been brought under control.

Prohibitory orders will remain in force till September 9 morning and a decision on extending the ban orders will be taken after reviewing the situation.

How did clashes erupt

According to police, trouble began when the Ganesha procession, which had been taken out from Siddhartha Nagar in Maddur town, was passing through Ram Rahim Nagar. When the procession crossed a mosque in the area, stones were reportedly pelted on the persons dancing in the procession, sparking a retaliation.

Soon, a tense atmosphere enveloped the area. However, the police personnel accompanying the procession prevented a confrontation between the members of two communities and dispersed them.

After immersion of the idol, however, groups began gathering in the town, demanding justice.

Mr. Baladandi said the police had registered cases relating to the incident. One case had been lodged by the police while another by a victim of stone throwing, he said.