Mysuru: Violence erupted in Mysuru late on Monday night as a large crowd clashed with police outside the Udayagiri police station following a controversial social media post celebrating the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) defeat in the New Delhi Assembly election.
The unrest led to stone-pelting, lathicharge, and the use of tear gas shells to disperse the agitated protesters.
Tensions escalated after the post, allegedly made by a resident of Kalyannagar, went viral. The content of the post reportedly contained derogatory remarks against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, former Chief Ministers Akhilesh Yadav and Arvind Kejriwal, along with statements that incited communal sentiments.
The nature of the post sparked outrage among members of the minority community, culminating in a large gathering outside the police station demanding immediate action against the accused.
Despite police and religious leaders' attempts to pacify the crowd, the situation spiralled out of control.
Protesters resorted to stone-pelting, prompting law enforcement to use force, including baton charges and tear gas, to restore order.
Additional police personnel were deployed as senior officials and local political leaders intervened to defuse the tension. Authorities have since tightened security in sensitive areas to prevent further flareups.
The incident has drawn parallels with the Hubballi riots of April 16, 2022, when a WhatsApp message containing derogatory remarks against Islam led to widespread violence. In that case, a mob had surrounded a police station, demanded custody of the accused, and engaged in violent clashes with law enforcement.
The Karnataka government's subsequent decision to withdraw cases against those involved in the Hubballi riots had sparked controversy, with strong opposition from the BJP.
As investigations continue, Mysuru police have urged citizens to maintain peace and refrain from spreading provocative content on social media. Law enforcement remains on high alert, monitoring potential flashpoints to prevent further disturbances.
