Mandya: The ongoing investigation into the September 7 stone-pelting incident during a Ganesh Chaturthi procession in Maddur, Mandya district, has taken a dramatic turn. Police officials have confirmed that the violence was not spontaneous but a pre-planned attack, raising questions about motive, political involvement, and attempts to stoke communal tensions.
According to investigators, the accused have confessed that the stone pelting was orchestrated under the leadership of a man identified as Swami. The plan, however, went awry as the stones were thrown not at the originally targeted Ganesh idol procession but at another passing rally. This revelation has added a new dimension to an already sensitive case that has gripped the town and triggered state-wide political controversy.
Initially, police had identified 22 individuals in connection with the incident. As the probe deepened, that number grew first to 29 and then to 32. All 32 accused are currently in custody and undergoing detailed interrogation. Police are examining not only their direct involvement but also whether they acted at the behest of political leaders, communal groups, or other vested interests.
Mandya district police sources said the investigation is now focused on whether the incident stemmed from political rivalry or was designed to deliberately provoke religious disharmony. “We have evidence suggesting advance planning, and the role of certain individuals is under close scrutiny,” a senior officer said, requesting anonymity.
How the incident unfolded
On the night of September 7, stones were hurled from a mosque at a Ganesh procession passing through Ram Rahim Nagar in Maddur. The sudden attack sparked panic, forcing police to rush reinforcements to control the crowd. The next day, Hindu organisations staged a protest march condemning the violence. The demonstration quickly turned heated, compelling the police to resort to lathi-charge to disperse protesters and restore order.
The attack inflamed communal tensions in Maddur, a town known for its mixed population and history of political rivalries. Shops were shuttered for hours, and additional security forces were deployed to prevent escalation.
What might have remained a local law-and-order issue soon snowballed into a full-fledged political storm. The opposition BJP and JD(S) , accusing the ruling Congress government of failing to protect Hindu sentiments. Several senior leaders, including BJP MLC C. T. Ravi and MLA Basanagouda Yatnal, visited Maddur and addressed gatherings, demanding strict action against the perpetrators.
Their speeches, however, drew sharp criticism and led to FIRs being registered against them for allegedly making provocative statements that could worsen communal tensions. Congress leaders hit back, accusing the BJP and JD(S) of exploiting the incident for political mileage in Mandya, a district often seen as electorally significant.
Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara had earlier admitted that there were allegations of the Maddur violence being orchestrated in advance. “We will examine the possibility of pre-planned motives and not treat this as an isolated incident,” he had stated soon after the clash. His comments were initially seen as political damage control. Now, with police confirming that the attack was indeed premeditated, the minister’s remarks have gained new weight.
The revelation has placed further pressure on the Congress government, already facing criticism from the opposition for its handling of law-and-order situations across the state.
Communal tension and public concern
For residents of Maddur, the issue goes beyond party politics. Many fear that the incident could deepen divides society. Civic groups have demanded a transparent investigation to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence.
At the same time, the opposition continues to question whether the Congress government is serious about curbing what they allege are repeated failures in handling religiously sensitive events. JD(S) leaders have also pointed out that Mandya district has become a flashpoint for political and communal disputes ahead of upcoming elections.
With all 32 accused now behind bars, the police say their focus is on establishing the larger conspiracy and identifying those who might have encouraged or financed the attack. Investigators are probing call records, financial transactions, and political affiliations of the accused to determine whether the stone-pelting was part of a broader plot.
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