Shivamogga/Bengaluru: In a deeply sensitive incident, communal tensions flared in Shivamogga’s Shantinagar locality after a man allegedly desecrated two Hindu idols — one of Lord Ganesha and another of Nagar Devata (serpent deity) — by throwing them into a drain near Bangarappa Layout. The act, caught on camera by local residents, has sparked outrage and prompted a high-level police probe.
According to eyewitnesses, the accused, described as a person from another community, first physically disrespected the Ganesha idol and then threw the Nagar idol into the drain, before fleeing the scene. The incident occurred around 6:30 PM and was immediately reported by local residents, who expressed deep distress over the act.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar visited the site and initiated an investigation. Police confirmed that the incident took place in Shivamogga Rural Police Station limits, an area that has previously witnessed communal disturbances.
“We are examining CCTV footage and eyewitness videos. The Nagar idol is still at the spot where it was thrown, and we are verifying the sequence of events,” DSP Sanjeev Kumar stated.
Local residents claim that the accused, seen loitering near an under-construction building, approached the open area designated for a park where the deities had been placed for worship. He allegedly kicked the Ganesha idol and then lifted the Nagar idol and threw it into a nearby open drain. Residents attempted to intervene and later recovered and repositioned the idols.
Following this, senior police officers including SP Mithun Kumar also visited the location to assess the situation. Police have registered a case based on a complaint filed by locals and have launched a manhunt for the accused.
The Shantinagar and Raggigudda areas, considered communally sensitive, have now been placed under tight police security to prevent any flare-ups. Additional forces have been deployed, and all precautionary measures are in place.
Police officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the incident is being taken very seriously, especially given the region’s volatile past. The 2019 communal riots in Raggigudda had kept the area under high alert for several months.
Authorities are urging the public not to jump to conclusions or spread misinformation. “This is a delicate issue. Let the investigation take its course. The accused will be arrested and dealt with strictly as per law,” a senior official said.
Also Read: Tension in Shivamogga’s Raggigudda Over Alleged Idol Vandalism, Police Arrest Two, Restore Calm
Locals have also demanded strict action against the accused and voiced concern about outsiders frequenting the under-construction buildings and indulging in unlawful activities.
Meanwhile, videos captured by locals showing the altercation and the moment the idol was thrown have gone viral, intensifying public sentiment. Police have collected video evidence and are verifying its authenticity to assist in the investigation.
The situation remains tense but under control, officials confirmed.
