Tension prevails in Karnataka’s Davanagere city after stones were pelted during the Ganesh Visarjan procession on Thursday night, prompting heightened security measures.
Two policemen, Circle Inspector Gurubasavaraj and Constable Raghu, were injured in the incident, which occurred on Beturu Road. Superintendent of Police (SP) Uma Prashanth is overseeing the situation, and additional forces have been deployed in sensitive areas of the city. The Congress leaders and members of the Muslim community have also stepped forward to assist the police in restoring peace.
Authorities have launched an investigation, using CCTV footage and police recordings to track down the suspects. As a precaution, businesses in the affected localities have been asked to close temporarily.
SP Uma Prashanth said, “A stone-pelting incident was reported during the Ganesh Visarjan procession, and a police inspector and constable were injured. The situation is under control, and efforts are underway to locate the miscreants. We are discussing the possibility of imposing prohibitory orders with the Deputy Commissioner.”
The tension reportedly arose following provocative statements by a leader from one community, which were opposed by another. Both sides have filed complaints, and authorities are investigating.
Sources indicate that the stone-pelting began when the Ganesh idol procession entered Azad Nagar and was reported at three different locations. The incident comes two days after Hindu leaders staged a protest against a similar stone-pelting event in Nagamangala town during a Ganesh procession, as well as the waving of Palestinian flags during Eid Milad celebrations.
Tensions escalated when a Muslim leader challenged Hindus to take the procession through Beturu Road, leading to the stone-pelting when the procession passed through the area. However, Muslim leaders intervened to calm the situation and prevent further violence.
The investigation is ongoing.
