Tensions Rise in Bengaluru After Stone-Pelting Incident During Religious Procession

Tense Atmosphere in Jagjeevan Ram Nagar

The atmosphere in Jagjeevan Ram Nagar, Bengaluru, was reported to be tense yet manageable following an incident where miscreants hurled stones at a procession of Om Shakti devotees, according to police statements made on Monday.

During the attack on Sunday night, two women sustained injuries. In response, local residents gathered at the JJ Nagar police station to demand accountability for the assailants.

To prevent any potential backlash from the community, additional police personnel have been stationed in JJ Nagar as a precautionary measure.

Senior law enforcement officials have set up camp in the area and initiated an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack.

Following a complaint lodged by Shashikumar N, a VS Garden resident, authorities filed a First Information Report late Sunday night.

Shashikumar reported that the incident transpired between 8:15 PM and 9:00 PM while devotees were participating in the procession.

He mentioned that he has been involved in the Om Shakti and Ayyappa Swamy rituals for over 23 years, donning the Om Shakti garland and carrying the Irumudi as part of the tradition.

According to his account, a group of three to four young men threw stones at the procession, resulting in a serious head injury to a female devotee, who required hospitalization for her wounds.

The complaint also highlighted that similar violent incidents had occurred previously, with miscreants reportedly setting fires during religious events in the area on two or three occasions.

It was noted that the locality has a considerable Dalit population, and there have been reports of atrocities against them.

Describing the incident as an attack on their religious beliefs and an act of intimidation, both Om Shakti and Ayyappa Swamy devotees are calling for stringent legal measures against the perpetrators.