Mandya: Tensions flared in Ram Rahim Nagar of Maddur on the night of September 7 after stones were allegedly pelted from a mosque during a Ganesh procession, triggering outrage, violent protests, and a forceful police crackdown. The incident has once again raised questions over the handling of communal flashpoints by the Congress government in Karnataka, with opposition leaders accusing the administration of appeasement politics while Hindu organizations demand stern action against “fundamentalist elements” behind the attack.
According to eyewitnesses, as the Ganesh viserjan procession passed in front of a mosque in Ram Rahim Nagar, stones were hurled from inside the mosque premises. At least two stones struck the crowd, creating panic among the devotees. On the morning of September 8 hundreds of Hindus staged protest against the stone pelting. Police tried to disperse the mob, enraged youths responded by sitting on the road, raising slogans of Jai Shri Ram, and confronting the police. A scuffle ensued between protesters and the police, leading to a lathi charge. Protestors alleged police protecting fundamentalists and beating peaceful protestors.
The district police acted swiftly, arresting 21 Muslims in connection with the attack. Police confirmed that cases have been filed under multiple sections, and more arrests may follow if further evidence emerges.
The incident has sparked widespread protests across Maddur. Shops downed shutters, traffic was disrupted, and Hindu organisations held demonstrations demanding justice. Locals alleged that the stone pelting was not spontaneous but a pre-planned act by extremist groups intent on creating disharmony. Many accused the government of repeatedly failing to protect Hindu festivals from targeted disruptions.
Mandya District In-charge Minister Chaluvaraya Swamy downplayed the incident, accusing BJP and JD(S) of politicizing the unrest. He said an FIR had been filed, 21 accused arrested, and that “outsiders” may have been involved. No Hindus were arrested, he clarified, appealing for calm.
But his remarks further angered locals, who saw them as an attempt to shield the guilty. Opposition parties were quick to seize the moment.
Former Chief Minister and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, speaking from New Delhi, said, “Stones were pelted during a Ganesh procession in Maddur. This reminds me of what happened in Nelamangala last year. A dangerous atmosphere is being created again in Mandya district.” He reportedly phoned Mandya SP Mallikarjun Baladandi, demanding strict action. “If the police fail under pressure, I will personally visit Maddur,” he warned.
Opposition leader R. Ashok was even more scathing. He accused the Congress government of enabling such incidents through appeasement politics. “For two years, we are seeing the same pattern Dharmasthala, Chamundeshwari, and now Maddur. Are we living in Pakistan or Karnataka? What is wrong in taking out a Ganesh immersion procession on a public road? This road is not anybody’s private property,” Ashok thundered, holding CM Siddaramaiah responsible for emboldening miscreants.
Home Minister Dr G Parameshwar, while confirming the arrests, admitted that the stone pelting appeared to be pre-planned. He assured that the police would investigate thoroughly and maintain peace. “If anyone, Hindu or Muslim, is found guilty, legal action will be taken. We will not allow the situation to spiral out of control,” he said in Tumkur on Monday.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, too, acknowledged the seriousness of the incident. “There was commotion when the procession passed the mosque. Some groups started shouting, and stones were thrown. Police used mild lathi charge to disperse the mob. Twenty-one arrests have been made. Whoever is guilty, irrespective of religion, will face action,” he said.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Hindu organisations, who allege that a “fundamentalist mindset” is behind repeated attempts to disrupt Hindu festivals. Activists said stone pelting from places of worship cannot be tolerated in a secular democracy. They argued that such acts are not isolated but part of a disturbing trend where extremist elements exploit religious sensitivities to spark communal tension.
Community leaders condemned the attack as an insult to the centuries-old tradition of peaceful Ganesh processions in Karna.
