Tension gripped Mysuru’s Udayagiri area on Monday night following a social media post featuring Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, and Akhilesh Yadav. A furious crowd, presumably of Muslims, gathered at the Udayagiri police station, demanding the arrest of the accused.
The post contained morphed images of Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav with words in Arabic script that triggered Muslim sentiments, leading to tensions in Mysuru, Karnataka.
Karnataka: Radicals pelted stones over a social media post featuring a photoshopped image of Rahul, Kejriwal, and Akhilesh as "3 Idiots" wearing skull caps.
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) February 11, 2025
Many police personnel were injured, and their vehicles were vandalized.
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According to an India Today report, the situation escalated as the crowd began pelting stones at police vehicles. To restore order, additional police forces were deployed, and authorities resorted to lathi charge and tear gas to disperse the mob. Seven police personnel sustained injuries during the incident.
Over 14 police vehicles were vandalised in the stone pelting by the outraged crowd. Several policemen were also injured.
Assistant Director General of Police R Hitendra stated that a group incited violence after a social media post was uploaded. The police took suo motu action, registered a case, and arrested the accused. However, the group insisted on taking custody of him, fearing he might secure bail and evade punishment.
To control the situation, the police used force to disperse the crowd. During the unrest, some individuals hurled stones, damaging several vehicles. While some people sustained injuries, none required hospitalization, he added.
Home Minister G Parameshwara said that around 200 people gathered at the police station, causing chaos. “They demanded the accused be handed over to them and later resorted to stone-pelting. The police swiftly brought the situation under control, arresting several individuals, including the accused responsible for the post. Strict action will be taken against all those involved in the attack,” he affirmed.
