Tensions in Mandya After Stone Pelting During Ganesh Visarjan: Section 144 Imposed
- MGMMTeam
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
The concluding day of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Karnataka’s Mandya district turned tense when violence broke out during the Ganesh idol immersion procession on Sunday. What began as a religious procession filled with devotion and festivity quickly spiraled into unrest after stones were allegedly pelted at participants in Maddur town. The incident disrupted the peaceful immersion rituals, leaving the community shaken.
Government and Police Response
Following the clashes, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parmeshwara confirmed that Section 144 of the CrPC was imposed in the area to prevent further escalation. He stated that several people were arrested in connection with the incident and that the situation was now under control. The minister also mentioned that alongside the Maddur unrest, isolated incidents, including a stabbing, were reported in other parts of the state, but assured that security forces had taken swift action to stabilize the situation.
Protests and Police Action
The stone pelting incident sparked angry protests by Hindu groups on Monday, who demanded strict action against those responsible. Demonstrators blocked roads and raised slogans, calling for stronger measures to protect religious processions. In response, the police carried out a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowds and restore order. Additional forces were deployed across sensitive areas of Mandya to maintain calm and prevent further disturbances.
Broader Celebrations Across India
While Mandya witnessed tension, the spirit of Ganesh Visarjan remained vibrant across other parts of the country. In Hyderabad, the massive 69-foot Khairatabad Ganesh idol, one of the tallest in India, was immersed in Hussain Sagar Lake amidst tight security and joyous chanting. In Mumbai, thousands of devotees bid farewell to the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja, with emotional celebrations marked by devotional songs, water showers, and clouds of sindoor. Similarly, in Rangareddy district’s Balapur village, the traditional laddu auction associated with the Balapur Ganesh procession drew huge crowds, accompanied by devotional bhajans and dancing.
The Significance of the Incident
Ganesh Chaturthi has always been a festival symbolizing unity, devotion, and the removal of obstacles. The clashes in Mandya, however, underline the fragility of communal harmony during mass gatherings. Authorities have urged people to maintain peace and not allow isolated incidents to overshadow the festival’s true spirit. The deployment of additional security forces and swift arrests reflect the government’s attempt to restore confidence among the public.
The MGMM Outlook
The violence during Ganesh Visarjan in Mandya once again reflects a disturbing pattern where Hindu festivals often face disruption. What began as a devotional procession turned into unrest after stones were allegedly pelted at participants, leaving the community angered and hurt. Hindu groups have rightly demanded strict action, pointing out how such attacks, often involving Muslim miscreants, repeatedly target Hindu religious gatherings. The protests in Mandya highlight the growing frustration within society over how festivals that should bring peace and unity are marred by deliberate provocations.
Yet, across the rest of India, Ganesh Visarjan was celebrated with devotion and grandeur—from the towering Khairatabad idol immersion in Hyderabad to the emotional farewell of Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai. These celebrations showcase the spirit of Hindu unity, resilience, and faith despite repeated attempts to disturb harmony. The Mandya incident stands as a stark reminder that Hindus must remain vigilant and united, ensuring that the essence of their festivals—devotion, peace, and togetherness—prevails over those who seek to disrupt them.
(Sources: Hindustan Times, LiveMint, OpIndia)
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