Shivamogga: A series of events marked the Ganesha idol immersion processions across Shivamogga district, including a display of communal harmony in Shanti Nagar–Ragigudda.Setting an example of communal unity, the Ganesha festival procession and immersion concluded peacefully and grandly in Shanti Nagar-Ragigudda of Shivamogga city on Sunday, the area which has been sensitive for years.A total of 16 Ganesha idols installed across various parts of Shanti Nagar were taken out simultaneously in a procession. Along the entire procession route, members of the Muslim community greeted Hindu devotees with sweets and cold beverages, exchanging festive wishes and demonstrating mutual respect.Thousands of devotees joined the procession, offered prayers, and participated in the final immersion ceremonies, and no untoward incidents were reported.Dispute over playing song escalates into assaultA dispute over playing songs on a sound system during a Ganesha immersion procession escalated into a house-entry assault in Hasudi, falling under Shivamogga Rural police station jurisdiction. The incident happened on the night of Sept 18 during the Sri Vidya Ganapati immersion procession in Hasudi. Around 9pm, a verbal altercation erupted between Ajay and others regarding playing songs on the sound system. According to the complaint, Ajay snatched the mobile phone being used to play music. When people objected to it, an argument ensued between Ajay and others, which bystanders resolved.According to police, around 11pm, Ajay, accompanied by his wife and mother, allegedly went to Jayakumar’s house and barged inside, dragged him out, and allegedly struck him near his left eye with a steel rod. When Jayakumar’s family attempted to intervene, they were also assaulted, police said.The injured individuals were rushed to McGann District Hospital for treatment. Following a complaint, Shivamogga Rural police registered a case.Student slips into water while immersing idol, diesA degree student lost his life after slipping and drowning during a Ganesha idol immersion ceremony near Devarahalli in Bhadravathi taluk on Sunday night. The deceased has been identified as Rakesh, son of Gopal.Devotees were proceeding to immerse idols at a lake near the Chowdeshwari temple on the road heading toward Devarahalli. While immersing an idol, Rakesh stepped into the lake water to help with immersion. Preliminary details indicate that as the idol tilted in water Rakesh lost his balance and slipped into deep water.Locals immediately launched a search and alerted the fire service department. Fire service personnel arrived at the spot around 2am and carried out search operations till early in the morning. Expert diver Eshwar Malpe and his team later joined the operation along with Hosamane police. Following a long search, Rakesh’s body was recovered from the water and shifted to the hospital for postmortem. Hosamane police have registered a case.
