On Thursday, the Karnataka Police detained 52 individuals in connection with communal clashes that erupted during a Ganpati procession in Mandya district's Badarikoppalu village on September 11. The violence reportedly began when stones were thrown, allegedly from near a mosque, at participants in the procession.

In response, several Hindu youths placed the Ganesh idol in front of the local police station, protesting and demanding justice. The situation escalated further when a group set fire to shops and burned tyres in outrage.

Following the detentions, family members of those arrested gathered outside the police station, demanding their release. One protester claimed, "Our people did nothing wrong. They were arrested for no reason."

The police stated that those detained were brought in for questioning and that anyone found innocent would be released. To maintain order, authorities imposed Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (a provision invoked in urgent situations to prevent danger or nuisance) and placed the area on high alert.

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parmeshwar reassured the public, saying, "The situation is now peaceful and under control. Police have detained 52 people, and the stone-pelting during the Ganesh procession is being addressed."

This incident in Karnataka follows a similar event in Surat, Gujarat, where six minors were arrested for allegedly throwing stones at a Ganesh pandal, which also led to clashes.