Maddur: A night of celebration in Mandya district turned violent on September 7 when stone-pelting broke out during a Ganesh immersion procession in Ram Rahim Nagar, a neighbourhood where temples and mosques stand close together. The incident quickly spiralled into retaliatory clashes, leaving several people, including police officers, injured. Videos of the unrest spread widely on social media, with many unverified clips fuelling confusion and anger.
Authorities responded with strict measures. Section 144 was imposed, liquor shops closed, and more than 1,500 police personnel deployed across Maddur. Sensitive areas such as Siddharth Nagar and Chanegowda Layout saw barricades and heavy security. Police arrested over 20 people and registered FIRs naming hundreds, a move criticised by families who alleged that innocent men were taken into custody.
For three days, the town remained paralysed. Schools were shut, markets closed, and residents stayed indoors. Many locals expressed disappointment. “We’ve celebrated festivals together for decades,” shopkeeper Ramesh Gowda told Radiance News. “This time, it felt like outsiders wanted to disturb our peace.” Community elder Shafiulla added, “A few miscreants threw stones. That cannot represent an entire community.”
The political fallout was immediate. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the violence and promised action against the guilty. The BJP accused the state government of appeasement and staged protests in Mandya. A bandh was called, though it passed off without major incidents.
Police say CCTV footage is being reviewed to identify culprits. Civil society leaders are urging transparent investigations, youth dialogues, and restraint from political leaders. Dr. Rukmini Rao, a sociologist, warned that “the greater danger lies in the erosion of trust that violence leaves behind.”
Maddur remains under heavy watch, with residents hoping for the return of normal life and the revival of long-standing harmony.
