Mysuru, 19 April

Tension gripped Vajamangala village in Mysuru taluk—part of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s Varuna constituency—on Saturday morning after miscreants vandalised and desecrated flex banners of Dr BR Ambedkar and Bhagawan Buddha.

The banners, installed by Siddartha Yuvakara Balaga at Vajamangala Circle as part of Ambedkar Jayanthi celebrations on 14 April, were found torn and defaced with human excrement. The act sparked outrage among villagers and members of the Balaga, who staged a snap protest demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.

Over 400 villagers gathered at the site, prompting swift police action. Superintendent of Police AND Vishnuvardhan, Additional SP C Mallick, PSI Maheshkumar, the Mysuru taluk tahsildar, and forensic and fingerprint teams visited the scene to assess the situation and calm tensions.

Police assured the villagers of strict action and have recovered CCTV footage showing three bike-borne youths suspected to be involved in the incident.

Dalit Sangharsha Samiti leader Ahinda Javarappa condemned the incident and demanded swift arrests. Additional SP Mallick confirmed that the investigation is progressing and the culprits will be brought to justice soon.

Security has been tightened in Vajamangala to prevent further unrest.