MANDYA: Agriculture and District Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy has urged people to participate peacefully in the mass Ganesh idol immersion scheduled for Wednesday.
A peace meeting was held in Maddur on Tuesday chaired by the minister, Deputy Commissioner and the SP.
Meanwhile, the bandh called by various Hindu organisations in Maddur on Tuesday to protest against the stone-pelting incident during the Ganesh procession drew a lukewarm response.
The police have arrested 22 in connection with the stone-pelting incident and remanded them in judicial custody.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Southern Range MB Boralingaiah said Section 144 will remain in the taluk till 6 am on Wednesday. He said the police have made arrangements for the mass immersion. Seven Superintendents of Police, three Additional SPs and 600 policemen have been deployed for bandobast. The situation is peaceful, he said.
On allegations that the stone pelting was pre-planned, the IG said: “There is suspicion that streetlights were turned off when the procession was passing. We are investigating the matter. While there is no evidence of stones being thrown from the mosque, it is suspected that stones were brought from a nearby street. Two or three persons from Channapatna are also suspected to be involved. CCTV footage is being examined. Out of 25 traced suspects, 22 have been arrested.”
The IG said that two separate FIRs have been registered in connection with Monday’s protest march, one for burning a Muslim flag and removing buntings erected for Eid Milad, and another for stone pelting on buildings and attempting to enter the mosque. FIRs have also been lodged for obstructing police and assaulting them.
“In all, an FIR has been registered against 500 persons, including Girish, Soumya, Ramya and Pallavi, under sections 189(2), 189(4), 121, 121(2) and 190 of BNS at Maddur Police Station,” he said.
BJP state president BY Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition R Ashok, Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, former Deputy CM Dr. CN Ashwath Narayan, MLC CT Ravi, state general secretaries P Rajeev and Pritam Gowda, along with several MLAs and senior leaders will participate in a protest in Maddur on Wednesday.
BJP district president Dr. Indresh said instead of punishing the culprits, FIRs have been filed against Hindu protesters. “Filing cases against 500 people is injustice. On Wednesday, mass immersion of 28 Ganapati idols will take place, where more than 20,000 devotees are expected,” he said.
In Keragodu, Hanuma Dhwaja Samiti staged a protest condemning the incident. Protesters blocked the Mandya-Yediyur highway, set tyres on fire and alleged that the violence was pre-planned.