The controversy began when Suresh Anna allegedly shared digitally altered images of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav
Team Clarion
MYSORE — Tension gripped parts of Mysore after an objectionable social media post sparked widespread resentment from the Muslim community. The situation intensified late Monday night as thousands of protesters assembled outside the Udayagiri police station, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused, identified as Suresh Anna. Amid escalating unrest, police resorted to a lathi charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
The controversy began when Suresh Anna allegedly shared digitally altered images of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. The images depicted the leaders half-naked, wearing traditional Muslim caps, and bearing provocative Urdu inscriptions. The inflammatory nature of the post sparked intense anger in the Udayagiri and Kalyan Nagar areas, with many viewing it as a direct attack on religious sentiments.
According to a report by Udayavani.com, the images were widely circulated on social media, fuelling public resentment. “These manipulated pictures were deliberately designed to instigate communal discord,” a local activist stated, condemning the act.
As news of the post spread, hundreds of Muslim youth took to the streets, marching towards the Udayagiri police station. The protest quickly swelled into the thousands, with demonstrators demanding swift police action. Slogans were raised against the accused, and tensions ran high as emotions flared. Some protesters resorted to stone-pelting, prompting police intervention.
To control the situation, the police resorted to a lathi-charge. “Despite multiple warnings, the situation was getting out of hand. We had no choice but to use force,” said a senior police officer present at the scene. Tear gas shells were also deployed to disperse the crowd as clashes intensified.
Following public pressure, Mysore police arrested Suresh Anna from Kalyan Nagar. His photograph and FIR details were shared on the police department’s official social media accounts to assure the public of action taken. Meanwhile, additional police forces were deployed across Udayagiri and other sensitive areas to prevent further unrest.
The incident comes at a time of heightened political discourse, particularly in the wake of the Delhi Assembly elections and the Malikpur by-election. While social media has been flooded with political commentary, the nature of the post in question added a communal dimension, making it all the more controversial.
Local leaders, both political and religious, have called for calm, urging people not to take the law into their own hands. “We understand the community’s sentiments, but violence is not the answer,” said a prominent community leader. Police officials have also issued a public advisory, cautioning against spreading unverified rumours and inflammatory content. “Anyone caught disseminating hateful messages will face strict legal action,” a police spokesperson warned.
Despite the arrest, tension lingers in Udayagiri and Kalyan Nagar. Authorities remain on high alert, closely monitoring social media activities to prevent further provocation. The situation continues to be closely watched as law enforcement agencies work to maintain peace and order in the city.
