Religious procession hit by Stone-pelting, FIR registered in Jagjeevan ram nagar

Tension prevailed in the Jagjeevan Ram Nagar area on Sunday night after stones were allegedly thrown at devotees participating in a religious procession from the local Om Shakti temple, police said.

According to police, the clash took place as devotees were pulling a chariot carrying a deity through the Jagjeevan Ram Nagar neighbourhood when stones were hurled at the procession, injuring some participants. A senior officer said a complaint had been filed alleging that individuals had thrown stones at the chariot during the ritual, and an FIR has been registered as an investigation continues. Jagjeevan Ram Nagar, an area in Bengaluru, has previously seen episodes of communal tension; it was one of the localities affected during the anti-Urdu riots in the city in the 1990s, when unrest broke out over linguistic and community issues. Residents at the scene said similar disturbances had occurred during past religious observances, underscoring underlying sensitivities in the area.

While some protesters alleged that the stone-pelting was carried out by miscreants belonging to another community, police officials stressed that the exact trigger for the incident and the identity of those involved are still being verified. Officers are examining whether any prior altercation, route-related objection, or provocation led to the incident. No official confirmation has been made regarding the community composition of the area where the stone-pelting occurred.

Sources said at least two people were injured in the incident, including a child who reportedly sustained a head injury and a young girl who was also struck on the head by a stone. Police, however, said they are verifying medical reports to confirm the number and severity of injuries.

Following the incident, a group of devotees gathered outside the Jagjeevan Ram Nagar police station and staged a protest, demanding immediate action against those responsible. Protesters alleged that similar incidents had occurred in the past and insisted on the registration of a case, following which the police lodged an FIR.

Security was subsequently tightened in the locality to prevent any escalation. West Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Yatish N B visited the police station to review the situation and assess law-and-order arrangements.

Police said the situation is currently under control and assured that strict action would be taken once those involved are identified. “Necessary legal action will follow after the investigation establishes responsibility,” an officer said.

Legal experts note that the incident touches upon issues related to Article 25 of the Constitution of India , which guarantees all citizens the fundamental right to freely profess, practise and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality and health. Authorities are expected to ensure that religious practices are protected while simultaneously maintaining communal harmony and public safety.