Stone-pelting during Om Shakti procession sparks tension in Bengaluru’s JJ Nagar

Protest erupts after stones are allegedly hurled at Om Shakti devotees during a temple procession in VS Garden; police register FIR, detain minors, and deploy heavy security

A religious procession in Bengaluru’s JJ Nagar area turned tense on Sunday night after stones were allegedly hurled at Om Shakti Maladharis while they were pulling the deity’s chariot near the Om Shakti Temple at VS Garden.

According to devotees, the incident occurred around 8.10 pm when Om Shakti Maladharis, including women and children, were participating in the procession. During the event, stones were reportedly thrown towards the chariot, with one stone allegedly hitting a young girl on the head, causing injury.

The Maladharis claimed the stones came from the Muslim residential area located on the other side of a compound wall behind the temple. However, they also stated that they could not conclusively confirm who threw the stones. The area reportedly has Hindu residents on one side of the compound and Muslim residents on the other.

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Following the incident, angry Maladharis staged a protest outside the JJ Nagar Police Station, demanding immediate action against those responsible. Protesters alleged that similar incidents had occurred earlier during religious processions, including claims of stones and even meat being thrown in the past.

Due to rising tension, Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) units were deployed outside the police station and at VS Garden. Police conducted route marches, spot inspections, and intensified security at the temple and surrounding areas.

ACP Bharath Reddy visited the JJ Nagar Police Station to assess the situation, while Inspector Erriswamy led a police team to the spot and supervised the investigation. Police also questioned residents living near the compound wall and reviewed videos recorded during the procession, as the area reportedly lacks CCTV coverage.

Devotees alleged that despite repeated requests, GBA authorities had neglected to install CCTV cameras, making it easier for miscreants to target blind spots.

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An FIR was registered at JJ Nagar Police Station based on a complaint filed by Om Shakti Maladharis’ president, Shashikumar. The complaint states that three to four Muslim youths allegedly pelted stones, resulting in serious injury to a girl. The complaint also mentions that such incidents have occurred earlier and alleges atrocities against Dalits, demanding strict legal action to protect religious sentiments and public safety.

Police confirmed that more than two individuals were initially taken into custody for questioning. Later, West Division DCP Yatheesh N. stated that three minors have been detained and are being questioned, adding that there is information suggesting their involvement. Further investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, former Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao said the procession was peaceful until the incident and warned that delays in arrests could have escalated tensions. He criticised poor development, low CCTV coverage, and alleged criminal networks in the area, claiming police face political pressure.

Political reactions also followed, with Bengaluru MP P.C. Mohan stating that such incidents were not new and expressing concern over fear in the locality. He said senior police officials had assured arrests by morning.

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Members of Sri Rama Sene staged protests outside the police station, alleging that the real culprits had not been arrested and accusing authorities of attempting compromise instead of action. Later, Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan visited JJ Nagar Police Station as efforts continued to defuse tensions.

As of now, protesters remain at the police station, awaiting further instructions from their leaders, while police continue investigation and maintain heightened security in the area.