FIR against Union Minister after claiming Ganesh idol ‘arrested’ in Karnataka

An FIR was registered against Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Wednesday for allegedly posting a fake photo and spreading false information about clashes in the Nagamangala town of Mandya in Karnataka. The development came days after Karandlaje posted photos on X, accusing the Mandya Police of “arresting” a Lord Ganesh idol.
In her post, the minister also claimed that stones and sandals were hurled at the idol during the procession.
The case against her alleges that the photo Karandlaje posted was unrelated to the incident and her “provocative statements” could potentially disrupt public order.
“Prathama Poojyā Ganesha has been arrested by the police in Mandya, Karnataka!! Anti-nationals threw stones & sandals at the Ganesha idol during the procession & burned more than 25 shops. CM Siddaramaiah & HM Parameshwar are protecting the culprits and covering up the incident,” the BJP leader wrote. “Spineless police took away the ganesha idol in police van today. The law and order situation in Karnataka has completely collapsed.
The Mandya Police have also registered an FIR against Leader of Opposition R Ashok for sharing misleading videos on his X handle. The videos falsely claimed that pro-Pakistan slogans were raised during the violence in Nagamangala.
Hindus feel neglected under Congress rule, feeling abandoned and orphaned.!!” she further added.
On the night of September 11, clashes broke out during a Ganpati procession in Mandya’s Nagamangala town. Shops were set afire by a group, prompting the police to impose restrictive orders in the area.
In March this year, an FIR was filed against her for linking the people of Tamil Nadu to the Rameshwaram Cafe blast in Bengaluru.
In September this year, she apologised for her remark through an affidavit in the Madras High Court, where the minister expressed regret for any offence caused by her statements.