Police in Karnataka Remove 108-Foot Hanuman Flag in Mandya Following Complaint, Leading to Villager Protest and Lathi Charge

Hiren Chokshi January 28, 2024

1 minute read

The removal of a Hanuman flag by police on January 27th night in Karnataka’s Mandya district sparked tension in the area. Youngsters from Keragodu village had erected a 108-foot pole and hoisted a saffron flag with Lord Hanuman’s image near a Ram temple, approved by the village Panchayat. However, some villagers opposed it and filed complaints.

Despite villagers’ claims of raising the flag together, authorities ignored them. A protest erupted when the Panchayat removed the flag, leading to police lathi-charge to disperse locals. Hindus had gathered since the previous evening, intensifying on January 28th.

Residents accused certain individuals of politicizing the issue. They demonstrated against the government as Panchayat officials arrived to remove the flag, chanting “go back” slogans. Security heightened due to the escalating tensions. Police removed the flag, sparking protests against Congress MLA Ravi Kumar, with banners broken and calls for a shutdown.

#WATCH | Mandya: Latest visuals from Keragodu village where the Hanuman flag hoisted by the Gram Panchayat Board of Mandya district on a 108-foot flagpole was brought down by the district administration, earlier today.

Karnataka Police Force present at the spot after BJP-JDS… pic.twitter.com/CxZYbVcXPv
— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2024

The #KarnatakaPolice force brought down the #HanumanFlag hoisted by the Gram Panchayat Board of #Mandya district of #Karnataka on a 108-foot flagpole in the village of #Keragodu.

Permission was given to hoist #NationalFlag and #KarnatakaFlag also organisers were given in writing… pic.twitter.com/DWXLzm7RWC
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) January 28, 2024

Remember the Mughal persecution of Hindus? @INCIndia seems determined to rewrite history.

In Congress-ruled #Karnataka, even hoisting Bhagwa Hanuman flag is considered a crime. They've ordered to remove the 108-foot flagpole installed by the public at public cost in Mandya.… pic.twitter.com/DZ0TvTzyiZ
— Satya Kumar Y (సత్యకుమార్ యాదవ్) (@satyakumar_y) January 28, 2024

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The dispute arose from villagers wanting the Hanuman flag while police intended to hoist the tricolor. Some accused a politician of involvement. Bajrang Dal, BJP, and JD(S) workers persistently demanded reinstating the saffron flag. Images of women confronting authorities and upset devotees circulated, expressing anger towards the MLA.

The Mandya SP stated the Gram Panchayat CEO decided to remove the flag, opposed by villagers. The District Panchayat CEO clarified the trust sought permission for a national flag, not the saffron one. The legal removal of the flag aimed to restore order.

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