Bengaluru

Authorities on Monday said the situation in Jagjeevan Ram Nagar remained tense but was firmly under control following an incident of stone pelting on a procession of Om Shakti devotees on Sunday night.

Two women were injured when unidentified persons allegedly hurled stones at the religious procession. In the aftermath of the incident, local residents gathered outside the JJ Nagar police station to protest and demanded swift action against those involved.

As a precautionary measure, additional police personnel have been deployed in the area to prevent any escalation or retaliatory incidents. Senior police officials are stationed in the locality and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the suspects.

Police said a First Information Report was registered late Sunday night based on a complaint lodged by Shashikumar N, a resident of VS Garden.

According to the complaint, the incident took place between 8.15 pm and 9 pm when devotees were taking part in a religious procession through the area. Shashikumar stated that he has been observing Om Shakti and Ayyappa Swamy worship for over two decades, participating in the rituals by wearing the Om Shakti garland and carrying the Irumudi.

He alleged that three to four youths targeted the procession by throwing stones, during which one woman devotee suffered a serious head injury and bleeding wounds. She was taken to a nearby hospital and is undergoing treatment.

The complaint also mentioned that similar incidents, including acts of arson, had reportedly occurred in the past during religious events in the same locality.

Additionally, it was alleged that the area has a sizable Dalit population and that incidents involving atrocities against members of the community have previously been reported.

Describing the incident as an attack on religious sentiments and an attempt to intimidate devotees, members of the Om Shakti and Ayyappa Swamy communities have jointly demanded strict legal action against those responsible.

READ MORE: IUML's Fatima Muzaffar Ahmed is the epitome of Muslim woman leadership

Police said further investigation is in progress and efforts are being made to maintain peace in the area.