Tension Erupts in Maddur: Ganesh Immersion Marred by Stone-Pelting, 21 Arrested
Bangalore Mail Staff Reporter
Maddur (Mandya District), September 9, 2025 — A festive Ganesh idol immersion procession in Maddur town descended into communal unrest on the night of September 7, prompting widespread security measures, multiple arrests, and rising political tensions.
Clash Near Mosque Sparks Violence
As devotees carried out a traditional immersion procession beginning from Siddhartha Nagar’s 5th Cross, the crowd passed near a mosque in Ram Rahim Nagar around 8 pm. Reports indicate that stones were allegedly hurled at the procession by unidentified individuals, triggering retaliatory stone-pelting at the mosque and igniting clashes between Hindu and Muslim groups.
Injuries, Arrests, and Legal Action
Eight people sustained injuries amid the chaos and were rushed to the local hospital. Authorities swiftly detained 21 individuals in connection with the violence. Of those arrested, police have publicly named fourteen: Mohammad Avez alias Mullu, Mohammad Irfan alias Mia, Nawaz Khan, Imran Pasha, Umar Farooq, Syed Dastagir alias Syed Rashid, Khaseef Ahmad, Ahmad Salman alias Mukkulla, Musaveer Pasha alias Odaya, Kalander Khan, Mohammad Aziz, Inayat Pasha, Sumer Pasha, and Mohammad Kaleem alias Kaif.
Two FIRs have been filed—one suo motu by the police and another based on a complaint from an injured person. Investigations are underway, with police analyzing CCTV footage to identify additional suspects.
Security Clampdown and Political Fallout
In the aftermath, prohibitory orders under Section 144 were imposed across Maddur, and a curfew-like environment took hold. Markets were shut, and a day-long bandh (general strike) was declared, backed by the BJP, intensifying the atmosphere of tension. A heavy police deployment—over 800 to 1,000 personnel—has been mobilized to maintain law and order.
Senior officials, including SP Mallikarjun Baladandi, confirm that the situation is under control, though peace remains fragile.
Political Statements and Expectations
Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that investigations are ongoing and that those belonging to pro-Hindu organizations were among those arrested. He defended the use of lathi charge as necessary to prevent escalation. Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including R. Ashoka, have condemned the state government’s handling of the event, accusing it of “appeasement politics” and demanding an apology from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has assured that actions will be taken irrespective of political or religious affiliations.
Summary Table
Aspect Details
Incident Stone-pelting during Ganesh immersion procession near mosque in Maddur
Date & Time Sunday evening, September 7, 2025, around 8 pm
Casualties 8 injured
Arrests 21 detained, 14 identities released
Legal Action 2 FIRs filed; CCTV footage being examined
Security Response Section 144 imposed; widespread police deployment; bandh declared
Political Reaction Home Minister and BJP leaders make opposing statements
Contextual Insight
Communal flare-ups during religious processions are regrettably not uncommon in the region, drawing parallels to past incidents in Karnataka and elsewhere. Authorities emphasize the importance of vigilance, but political fault lines often deepen the fallout.
The province remains tense as investigations proceed and protests continue, with residents and political players watching closely for the next steps.
