Mandya: Communal tension gripped Maddur town in Mandya district on Sunday night after stone-pelting was reported during a Ganesh idol immersion procession near a mosque, leaving eight people—including four policemen—injured. Police resorted to a mild lathi-charge to bring the situation under control and later imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 to prevent further unrest.
According to reports, the incident occurred when a procession of around 70–80 youths, accompanied by loudspeakers playing devotional songs and dancing, was heading towards the Shimsha river via Pete Street. As the group passed near a mosque, stones were allegedly hurled at the procession, triggering retaliatory stone-pelting by some members. Police intervened promptly and shifted the injured to Gurushantappa Government Hospital.
Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi, who rushed to the spot along with senior officers, confirmed that 21 people had been arrested in connection with the incident. He said two cases have been registered, and more arrests are likely as investigations progress. Additional police forces have been deployed, and sensitive areas in Maddur are under heavy security.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara told reporters that those involved in the violence were allegedly backed by members of Hindutva organisations. He confirmed that Section 144 had been imposed in Maddur and warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone disturbing communal harmony. He also noted that apart from the Maddur incident, a stabbing case was reported elsewhere in the state, but assured that the overall situation was under control.
Pro-Hindu organisations staged protests in Maddur on Monday against the alleged stone-pelting, prompting police to use mild lathi-charge to disperse the agitators. Authorities have appealed to both communities to cooperate with law enforcement and warned against spreading rumours.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing media in Bengaluru, defended police action, saying lathi-charge was necessary after miscreants defied orders and gathered unlawfully. He assured that all culprits would face stern legal consequences while accusing the opposition BJP of attempting to politicize the incident.
Meanwhile, Mandya District In-charge Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy alleged that BJP and JD(S) leaders were provoking such unrest due to political desperation, while Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy blamed the state government, warning that “mischievous forces” were threatening the peace and harmony of Mandya district.
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra condemned the violence, demanded immediate arrests, and announced plans to visit Maddur to meet the injured and express solidarity with the Hindu community.
Authorities have urged residents to maintain peace and stressed that law and order will be upheld firmly.