Nagamangala incident happened ‘on a whim’, not communal violence, says Karnataka Home Minister

Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said the clashes between two groups during the Ganesh idol immersion procession in Nagamangala town in Mandya district cannot be termed as “communal violence” as he maintained that the incident happened “on a whim”.

He said 52 people have been arrested “from both sides” and after examining CCTV footage of their involvement in incidents such as stone-throwing and burning of vehicles and properties, action will be taken against them.

“Yesterday’s incident should not have happened. What started as a small incident… is over. There were no serious injuries or scuffles. The police brought the situation under control. During the march, stones were pelted which led to clashes. After that, when everything seemed to have been resolved and people were dispersing, some set bikes and shops on fire and later (the police) brought the situation under control,” Parameshwara said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said no loss of life or “major problems” have been reported; the Superintendent of Police and Inspector General are on the spot, while a platoon of Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) has been deployed.

“I have sent the Deputy Director General of Police (ADGP), Law and Order, who has also visited the spot and is camping there. Everything is under control and there are no other incidents,” he added.

Asked whether it was communal violence, the minister said: “Accidentally, while the procession was moving, someone pelted stones, to which these people also pelted stones, which led to clashes. It cannot be called communal violence.”

When told that a Molotov cocktail was allegedly thrown and asked if the incident was planned, he replied: “No, no, it (the incident) happened immediately, on impulse. The police did not let the situation escalate and brought the situation under control. I appeal to the media not to report on it further.”

“I am not saying that the incident did not take place. The incident took place, we have brought the situation under control to ensure that it does not escalate further, law enforcement agencies have been deployed to the spot, senior police officers are also present…” he said in response to a question.

Responding to allegations that the police failed to act as precautionary measures were not taken despite similar incidents last year, Parameshwara said a platoon of KSRP was stationed there, which helped bring the situation under control. “Otherwise, there could have been more violence.”

Noting that stones were also pelted at the police, the minister said an assistant sub-inspector was injured and taking “all these factors into consideration”, cases will be registered.

He said that prima facie there does not appear to be any political incitement behind the incident. “Let us see what the investigation report will tell us.”