Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Vows 'Ruthless Action' Against Miscreants Amid Communal Flare Up In Mandya

In response to the communal tensions that flared up in Nagamangala town, Mandya district, Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issued a stern warning on Thursday, pledging "ruthless action" against those trying to create divisions based on caste or religion.

Taking to social media platform X, he urged the public to avoid falling prey to "incitement" and to help authorities by maintaining peace.

Siddaramaiah emphasized that the Congress government is taking the acts of vandalism "very seriously" and that its primary concern is to "maintain peace and order in society."

He described the unrest as the work of "miscreants" and confirmed that over 50 people had already been arrested.

The communal tension arose following clashes between two groups when stones were allegedly thrown from a mosque at a Ganapati procession in Nagamangala.

In response, several Hindu youths protested, placing a Ganesha idol in front of the police station and demanding immediate action. The protest escalated when a group reportedly set fire to shops and torched tyres, aggravating the situation.

Mandya District Collector Kumar told ANI that 54 people had been arrested, and probationary orders were imposed, leading to the closure of schools and colleges on Thursday.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara downplayed the communal nature of the incident, asserting that the police had brought the situation under control.

"Yesterday's incident shouldn't have happened. What began as a small incident, it has ended. No major injuries or fights have happened. Police have taken the situation under control," Parameshwara said.

Union Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, however, blamed the state government's "appeasement" politics for such incidents, accusing them of failing to protect a section of society.

"After this govt came to power in Karnataka, they wanted to give some impression that they are working for people of only one sector. That is why these things are happening in Karnataka. It is a peaceful state. Kannadigas do not support such communal clashes," Kumaraswamy remarked.