Karnataka
Lathi Charge on protesters in Maddur (Image via X)
Tension gripped Maddur town in Karnataka’s Mandya district after stone-pelting from a mosque during a Ganesh idol immersion procession left eight people injured on Sunday (7 September), the News18 reported.
The violence, which broke out in Ram Rahim Nagar, led to clashes between groups from two communities, forcing police intervention.
Police said the violence began in Ram Rahim Nagar during the Ganesh immersion procession, when youths from both communities clashed.
The confrontation quickly escalated, prompting police to intervene as the situation went out of control.
Pro-Hindu organisations staged protests on Monday (8 September) against the incident. Police resorted to lathi charge to disperse demonstrators, while prohibitory orders under Section 144 were imposed in the area.
The immersion rituals were later completed under heavy security arrangements.
Karnataka BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa said, “The vicious stone-pelting incident during Ganesha Visarjane in Maddur lays bare the total collapse of law and order under the @INCKarnataka (Karnataka Congress) government. Devotees and police were attacked during a peaceful procession, and yet this morning, instead of acting against the culprits, the Congress government unleashed a lathi-charge on Hindus, who were peacefully protesting against the violence.”
Karnataka Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka said, “In Congress-ruled Karnataka, Hindus are no longer safe even while celebrating their own festivals.”
Police patrols have been intensified in sensitive areas, with the administration urging both communities to cooperate in restoring calm.