ADGP shifted, PI suspended over Nagamangala violence

Nagamangala (Mandya): Two days after violence broke out during Ganesh idol immersion in Mandya district's Nagamangala, the state government Friday transferred ADGP (Intelligence) KV Sharath Chandra and brought in Hemanth M Nimbalkar, besides suspending a Nagamangala police inspector on charges of altering the sanctioned procession route.
The suspension of police inspector Ashok Kumar is linked to allegedly tampering with the route."We had told police officials across the state that if any incident takes place in their respective jurisdiction, we'll hold them responsible," home minister G Parameshwara said in Bengaluru.
At least eight FIRs were filed in the past 24 hours in connection with the violence, taking the total to 18. So far, 55 persons, including one on Friday, have been arrested and sent to 14-day judicial custody. Sources attributed the transfer of ADGP to ‘intelligence failure'.
With Eid Milad on Monday, a peace committee meeting will be held on Saturday with community leaders to ensure order and harmony.
Mandya superintendent of police Mallikarjun Baladandi said additional police forces have been deployed and ban orders will remain in force until Monday. Senior police officers from neighbouring districts will be stationed in the town to ensure the festival passes off peacefully, he added.
Union minister HD Kumaraswamy, who is also Mandya MP, visited Nagamangala and hinted that the violence appeared to be "systematically preplanned". In Hubballi, Union minister Pralhad Joshi echoed this sentiment. Citing reports that metal rods, stones, long weapons and a petrol bomb were used during the procession, he contended that this "is undoubtedly preplanned".
Parameshwara said an inquiry will find out if the attack was planned and added that "merciless action" would be taken against those who disrupt the law. He criticized the opposition parties for "politicizing" the incident.
On nudge from the opposition parties, the minister said the government will seriously consider compensation for those affected by the violence.