Mysuru: The law and order situation in Mysuru’s Udayagiri took a tense turn after a social media post led to violent clashes, prompting top police officials and political leaders to visit the area.
Law and Order ADGP Hitendra visited the Udayagiri police station on Tuesday and held a meeting with police officials regarding the violent stone-pelting incident that occurred after a controversial social media post. Addressing the media, he confirmed that seven police personnel were injured during the clashes. He further stated that a special police team had been formed to arrest those responsible for the violence.
The situation escalated after a social media post surfaced, reportedly containing remarks meant to hurt religious sentiments. The post allegedly included morphed images of Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Arvind Kejriwal in an offensive manner, along with derogatory remarks written in Arabic script targeting Muslim religious leaders. An angry crowd gathered outside Udayagiri police station, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused.
In one video, a group of people could be seen demanding the immediate arrest and death penalty for the ‘Gustakh-e-Rasool’ (blasphemer of the Prophet).
It is alleged that the situation worsened when the crowd started pelting stones at police vehicles. As tensions escalated, additional police forces were deployed to maintain law and order. The police resorted to baton charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Roads in Shantinagar and Mahadevapura were blocked by the protesters, adding to the chaos.
The incident sparked strong political reactions, with opposition leader R. Ashok visiting the Udayagiri police station and urging authorities to arrest all those involved in the violence. He accused the state government of being lenient towards miscreants and alleged that the attack on the police was pre-planned.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders took to social media to criticize the Congress government, alleging that the administration was shielding those involved in the violence. Former MP Pratap Simha, who attempted to visit the affected areas, was stopped by the police and asked to leave. However, he later met local residents near Kyathamaranahalli Huliamma Temple along with city BJP president L. Nagendra and other party leaders.
In response, a Congress delegation led by KPCC spokesperson Lakshman visited the Udayagiri police station and submitted a memorandum regarding the incident. Tensions rose when Congress members staged a sit-in protest after learning that Ashoka had been allowed to visit the station while they were initially stopped by the police.
Authorities have assured that the situation is now under control, and investigations are underway to identify the organizations or individuals responsible for the violence. Police officials are analyzing CCTV footage to trace those involved in the attack on the police station and have vowed to take strict legal action against the perpetrators.