Tension prevailed in Maddur town of Mandya district in Karnataka on Monday in connection with the incident of stone pelting during a Ganesha procession. The incident occurred on Sunday night, and the police have detained more than 20 people in connection with it.

Six persons were injured in the incident. According to the police, stone pelting was reported from the Ram-Rahim Nagar locality of Maddur town. Locals alleged that the stone pelting suddenly began from the mosque and from the terraces of houses in the area, leading to chaos.

Devotees and Hindu activists strongly condemned the act. The police quickly brought the situation under control and prevented the escalation of violence in the region. Devotees and Hindu activists staged a protest, expressing outrage against the violence and alleging that the police had assaulted those participating in the procession.

The protestors raised slogans of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and demanded action against the culprits. Local residents stated that the devotees were asked to switch off the music while passing in front of the mosque and were also told to complete the immersion earlier than scheduled.

Despite complying with the orders by stopping the music and proceeding with the procession, the lights near the mosque suddenly went off, and stone pelting began against the participants. Considering the sensitivity of the matter, the police detained 20 people by midnight and arranged tight security measures in the region.

More details are yet to emerge regarding further developments. It can be recalled that last year, incidents of violence and rioting were reported from Nagamangala town of Mandya district during the Ganesh Visarjan procession. It was alleged that a group of people from a particular community attacked a peaceful Ganesh immersion procession with swords and knives in Nagamangala. The mob allegedly threw petrol bombs, looted shops, and set them on fire, all in front of the police.

The BJP had formed a fact-finding committee that authenticated these charges, and the party’s state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra had demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the incident.

He had further slammed the government, claiming that Hindus were being attacked, and even though these incidents happen right in front of the police, they remain passive. He alleged that the government’s failure to grant full authority to the police was the reason for their inaction.

-IANS

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The series of violent incidents during the Ganesh Visarjan procession, ahead of by-elections in Karnataka, is proving to be a setback for the Congress party and its government.

Congress leaders have confided that they are concerned about the incidents connected to stone-pelting and rioting in Nagamangala town in Mandya district, known as a Vokkaliga heartland, where more than 20 shops were burnt.

Stone-pelting and communal unrest in Davanagere City, located in central Karnataka, have also become a problem for the party.

The images of Lord Ganesh’s idol being casually carried away by police personnel during the protests in Bengaluru and the sacred idol being placed inside a police vehicle used to transport detainees have hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced the images during an election rally in Haryana, stating, “In Congress-ruled Karnataka, even Ganpati is being put in jail.”

The BJP and Hindu organisations have since criticized the Congress government for poorly handling the situation. Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s statement downplaying the event as a “small incident” only fuelled further criticism of the party.

The BJP also objected to the police initially naming the event organizers as the first 23 accused and later adding names from the Muslim community in the FIR related to the Nagamangala case.

The death of a 23-year-old Hindu youth, Kiran, from the Badrikoppalu area of Nagamangala, who disappeared after fearing arrest in connection with the violence, is likely to complicate matters for the Congress party further. Kiran had left his village after the incident on September 11, fearing arrest.

He was admitted to the hospital on Friday and died of a brain stroke on Saturday (September 21). Kiran’s father is also under arrest. Kiran is named as the 17th accused in the case.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy visited Nagamangala and Badrikoppalu villages and launched an attack on the Congress government.

The Congress attributed the violence to police failure and suspended both the police inspector and the deputy superintendent. While the situation in Nagamangala in southern Karnataka was beginning to calm, a stone-pelting incident on a Ganesh Visarjan procession in Davanagere City in central Karnataka again placed the Congress government in a difficult position.

Two policemen were injured in the incident. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that Ganesh idols and processions were taking place at over 60,000 locations in Karnataka, with only two incidents reported in Nagamangala and Davanagere.

The Congress government has filed FIRs against senior BJP leader and LoP R. Ashoka and Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje for their posts regarding the Ganesh Visarjan violence.

The Karnataka BJP has demanded an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the incident. The BJP’s Fact-Finding Committee submitted a report stating that the communal violence in Nagamangala was pre-planned.

The BJP has also criticised the Congress government after Tumakuru University issued a circular restricting students from participating in Ganesh Utsav.

Congress, which is already facing the consolidation of the influential Vokkaliga and Lingayat vote banks and suffered a setback in the Parliamentary elections, now faces the challenge of retaining its SC, ST, and OBC vote banks, which have been the party’s core strengths. This is happening at a critical time when by-elections for three Assembly seats are due.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy represents the Channapatna Assembly seat. Former CM and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai held the Shiggaon Assembly seat, and Congress MP E. Tukaram held the Sandur seat.

In this changed scenario, the BJP is confident of winning all three seats. The party’s attacks on the Congress government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is facing allegations in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam and the Tribal Welfare Development Board scam, are likely to intensify.

Above all, Ganesh Visarjan processions will continue until October in the state, and the Congress is worried about the unfolding events. The grand old party is also tensed over the relationship between the government and the Governor’s office following the consent to prosecution against CM Siddaramaiah. BJP State Mahila Morcha President K. Manjula, speaking to IANS, stated, “The Congress government has surrendered law and order for the sake of appeasement and vote bank politics. The soft corner for certain communities is glaringly evident even in women’s issues and incidents of violence during Ganapati processions. This is not merely about local Hindu-Muslim differences, which could have been handled easily. There is an outside hand in the violence, and the Congress government is aware of it. The ruthless action needed to maintain law and order has not been initiated.”

–IANS

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Karnataka BJP fact-finding committee on violence during the Ganesh Visarjan idol immersion in Mandya district on Friday claimed that the incident was pre-planned and the riots occurred due to “appeasement politics” of the Congress government.

The committee, headed by BJP MLA and former Deputy Chief Minister C. N. Ashwath Narayan, submitted its report on Mandya Ganesh Visarjan incident to BJP state president and MLA B. Y. Vijayendra.

Addressing a press conference at party headquarters here, Ashwath Narayan said, “The accused had worn masks and were carrying petrol bombs. All these things imply that the incident was pre-planned. The same specific shops were targeted for the third time, and set on fire in town.”

“Petrol was supplied for the petrol bombs from a specific petrol pump. Nagamangala has become a hideout for absconding criminals, anti-social elements, and traitors. It is also a hub for banned Popular Front of India (PFI) activities, where narcotic substances are being stored,” he alleged. “How, despite the ban, PFI functioning was allowed. It shows police failure,” he remarked.

“Politics of hatred is being carried out in the state. There have been assaults on eight police personnel. Despite that, no Medico-Legal Case (MLC) has been registered,” claimed Ashwath Narayan. Cases have been registered against innocent people, he said. Ashwath Narayan said that cases against the accused have been withdrawn for votes.

“Around 25-30 people were on the main road when the riot occurred. Police failure and appeasement are visible,” said Ashwath Narayan.

“During our administration, there were no riots during the Ganesh festival. But now, riots have occurred in nearly ten places across the state. Provocation has taken place without any reason. Their elected representatives are threatening to create a situation like Bangladesh and storm the Governor’s office,” he stated.

Members of the Committee Former minister K.C. Narayan Gowda, BJP state secretary Lakshmi Ashwin Gowda, retired IPS officer Bhaskar Rao, and party leader were present during the media briefing.

–IANS

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A communal riot broke out during the Ganesh immersion procession in Nagamangala, Mandya district, in Karnataka, leading to widespread unrest and raising serious concerns about communal harmony in the region. Stones were reportedly pelted at the procession, and several shops were set ablaze. Allegations have surfaced regarding the involvement of members of the banned Kerala-based Popular Front of India (PFI) in orchestrating the violence during the Ganesh Visarjan.

Among the 74 individuals named in the First Information Report (FIR), two—Yusuf (A44) and Naseer (A61)—are residents of Malappuram, Kerala. Both are suspected of being affiliated with the PFI.

The Mandya District Police have arrested Yusuf and Nasir, basically from Malappuram, Kerala, suspected to be linked to the banned Popular Front of India in connection with attack on Ganesha Procession in Nagamangala, Mandya.

Was the attack on the Ganesha procession in… pic.twitter.com/UX38g9tvAF

— Girish Bharadwaj (@Girishvhp) September 15, 2024

It is alleged that Yusuf and Naseer had been residing in Nagamangala for several days before the procession incident, with accusations that they played a key role in planning the riots. According to Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Nagamangala Taluk President Ajit Prasad, their presence in the area, along with evidence of the purchase of 200 masks from a local medical shop on the day of the riots, suggests a premeditated attack.

Prasad further stated that Kerala-based Muslims were involved in using petrol bombs during the violence and demanded that the investigation be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a more thorough probe.

Karnataka’s Minister-in-Charge, Chaluvarayaswamy, attempted to downplay the speculation surrounding the involvement of PFI members in the Ganesh Visarjan. He stated that while a person from Kerala working in a bakery in Nagamangala was arrested for his role in the violence, there is no direct evidence linking the banned PFI to the incident. “Without a full investigation, it is premature to make any conclusions,” the minister said, calling for calm and peace while investigations proceed.

The violence escalated just half an hour after 24 District Armed Reserve (DAR) personnel, who had been deployed to guard the Ganesh procession, left for their meal break. Only seven officers were left at the scene when the mob began attacking with stones, sticks, machetes, and petrol bombs, leading to injuries among several police officers, including PSI Ravi. Many local shops were also set on fire during the chaos.

The Home Department has since suspended Inspector Ashok Kumar of Nagamangala Police Station for failing to ensure adequate security during the sensitive procession. His hesitation to provide meals to the reserve personnel and the subsequent reduction in the police presence is believed to have contributed to the outbreak of violence.

(With inputs from Organiser)

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The post Suspected PFI Involvement In Nagamangala Ganesh Procession Riot, Two Kerala Residents Named in FIR appeared first on The Commune.

Karnataka Leader of Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka has alleged that pro-Pakistan slogans were raised during the Ganesh Visarjan procession violence in Nagamangala town of Mandya district and demanded a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe in the series of similar incidents.

On the Mandya incident, senior BJP leader Ashoka, taking social media X, stated, “Eyewitnesses have reported that three miscreants shouted “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans during the communal clash that took place last Wednesday night during the Ganesh Visarjan in Nagamangala town. This has strengthened suspicions that banned organizations might be involved in the communal unrest.”

Ashoka further stated, “Following this, incidents such as the unruly display of the Palestinian flag by miscreants on a bike in Chikkamagaluru city, and attacks on Hindu youths for hoisting flags in Gandhi Nagar and Ahmad Nagar in Davanagere city, suggest that these provocative acts seem to be targeting the Ganesh festival.”

“Similar incidents occurred during the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Temple. It appears that Hindu festivals, celebrations, and events are being specifically targeted by these disturbances, which seem to be driven by a large network of communal extremist organizations across the state,” Ashoka stated.

“The local police are finding it difficult to break through this organized and sponsored network, which is believed to have interstate and international connections. Therefore, I urge Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to immediately hand over these cases to the NIA for further investigation,” the LoP demanded.

Ashoka has also shared a video of the incident reported from Davanagere city where Hindus were allegedly attacked by a Muslim mob for erecting religious flags in the area during the Ganesh festival.

The video also shows members of the Muslim community along with the police trying to calm down the situation. Another video shows youth waving the Palestine flag and riding on a highway in communally sensitive Chikkamagalur district.

Clashes broke out between two groups during a Ganesh idol procession in Nagamangala town, following which mobs went on a rampage, targeting several shops and vehicles leading to tension on September 12 night.

ನಾಗಮಂಗಲ ಕೋಮುಗಲಭೆ ವೇಳೆ ಪಾಕ್ ಪರ ಘೋಷಣೆ?

ನಾಗಮಂಗಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಬುಧವಾರ ರಾತ್ರಿ ಗಣೇಶ ವಿಸರ್ಜನೆ ವೇಳೆ ನಡೆದ ಕೋಮುಗಲಭೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂವರು ಕಿಡಿಗೇಡಿಗಳು ಪಾಕಿಸ್ತಾನ ಜಿಂದಾಬಾದ್ ಘೋಷಣೆಗಳು ಕೂಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂದು ಪ್ರತ್ಯಕ್ಷದರ್ಶಿಗಳ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ಈ ಕೋಮುದಳ್ಳುರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಷೇಧಿತ ಸಂಘಟನೆಗಳ ಕೈವಾಡವಿರುವ ಅನುಮಾನ ಮತ್ತಷ್ಟು ಗಟ್ಟಿಯಾಗಿತ್ತಿದೆ.… pic.twitter.com/GmyxMyiZIZ

— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) September 16, 2024

This story is based on an IANS story. The headline has been changed.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday lashed out at the Congress government in Karnataka after the police in the neighbouring state’s Mandya town held back an idol of Ganpati during the procession and kept it in the police station.

He said that those doing politics over the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue at Rajkot Fort in Malvan were responsible for “creating hurdles” during Ganpati festival celebrations in Karnataka. Shinde spoke about the Mandya incident at a rally in Dharashiv in the Marathwada region. The rally promoted the state government’s flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana.

Referring to the image of Ganpati idol that went viral on social media after being held back by Mandya Police as the procession was attacked by miscreants, sparking outrage against the Congress government, the Maharashtra Chief Minister said: “People doing politics in the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are responsible for stopping Ganapati festival celebrations in Karnataka… the Congress government arrested Ganpati Bappa in Karnataka.”

The Karnataka Police are yet to verify the claims regarding the holding back of the Ganpati idol. “You (referring to Congress) do this with Lord Ganesha in Ganeshotsav. Where will you pay for this sin? After the fall of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue in Sindhudurg district, the opposition played politics on this issue. However, the Ganapati idol was arrested in Karnataka,” Shinde further said, criticising the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government. The Maharashtra Chief Minister also criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s statement on the reservation. “My sisters will now do the work of sending these Congressmen home.”

Meanwhile, Shinde strongly defended the MahaYuti government’s decision to implement the Ladki Bahin scheme and other welfare and development schemes for women, youth, farmers, and other sections. He reiterated that the MahaYuti government if voted to power in the upcoming Assembly polls, will increase the current monthly financial aid of Rs 1,500 — provided to the eligible women beneficiaries — to Rs 3,000. “The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana will not be discontinued. The government will increase financial assistance and make the sisters millionaires. If women are strong, then the country is strong. Women’s development is the country’s development,” the Maharashtra CM said.

–IANS

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Two groups clashed in Karnataka’s Mandya district on Wednesday night after stones were allegedly pelted at a Ganpati idol immersion procession in Nagamangala town. Some shops and vehicles were set afire following the incident.

According to sources, some youths took out a procession for Ganpati idol immersion. When they passed near a dargah in the town, a few miscreants started pelting stones at the procession, leading to the clashes.

Stone pelting during Ganesh immersion procession in Nagamangala, Mandya by Muslims objecting that Ganesha procession shouldn’t go in a particular road.

Stones were thrown at both Hindus and the police.

Where are we living? pic.twitter.com/VzdmJ4SliG

— Girish Bharadwaj (@Girishvhp) September 11, 2024

Police have imposed restrictive orders in the area and are on high alert. After the incident, people from the Hindu community staged a protest at the local police station, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for hurling stones at Ganpati Visarjan procession.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy condemned the incident and urged the public to maintain peace. He also attacked the Congress-led state government over the law and order situation and said that the “despicable incident took place in Nagamangala as a result of over-indulgence and appeasement of a particular community by the party and the state government for political gain.”

The JD-S leader further said that the state government should immediately take action to restore peace in the town.

Karnataka SDPI chief Abdul Majeed urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to instruct the DGP to deploy additional police forces to restore law and order and take necessary actions. “… Direct relevant authorities to take strict measures against such groups that aim to disrupt communal harmony and tarnish the state’s reputation,” he said in a post on social media platform X tagging the CM.

The Karnataka Home Minister, Dr Parameshwara, has labelled the incident where Muslims pelted stones at the Ganesha procession in Nagamangala, Mandya, as “accidental.”

This story is based on an IANS story. The headline has been changed.

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The heartwarming gesture of a 70-year-old woman donating her widow pension for COVID care has won hearts online. The owner of all this praise is Shardamma, a resident of Heeralahalli in Karnataka’s Mandya district.

She had been saving money that she had received as a widow pension from the government. She went on to donate her entire savings of ₹10,000 for patients suffering from coronavirus. Handing it over to the tehsildar of the KR Pet taluk, she had asked them to use this money to feed COVID patients who are in need of food. He had appreciated her service and lauded her for her philanthropic nature, saying that she was a role model for many out there.

This is not her first gesture of philanthropy, since she had already donated ₹10,000 during the first wave of coronavirus infection. She also personally delivered snacks and juice bottles to those admitted in the Covid Care Centre in Hosaholalu and Shettynayanakana Koppalu.

Shardamma said that right from childhood, her parents had taught her to help people in trouble. “I have tried to follow in the footsteps of my parents, and only love and service can win the hearts of the people,” the septuagenarian told The New Indian Express.

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India joins the global lithium value chain after a lithium reserve was discovered in the igneous rocks found in Karnataka’s Mandya. According to reports released by Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), an arm of the Department of Atomic Energy, about 1200 tonnes of the mineral is said to be present in the said reserve.

Lithium is a vital resource that is necessary for lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that power electric vehicles (EVs), laptops and mobile phones. It is also used in medicine to treat schizophrenic disorders and other psychiatric disabilities.

Despite the fact that this is a relatively small reserve, it marks a significant milestone in the country’s need for domestically mining the silver-white metal by way of hard-rock extraction of the ore. There are also attempts going on to explore the potential of extracting lithium from the brine pools of Rajasthan and Gujarat and the mica belts of Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

It is to be noted that all of India’s Lithium requirements are currently met through imports. The country recently joined hands with an Argentinian firm to jointly prospect lithium in the South American nation which has 17 million tonnes of lithium metal reserves. The agreement was signed by India through a newly instituted state-owned company, Khanij Bidesh India Limited.

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