A tragic incident shook the town of Mandya when four youths lost their lives while swimming in the Cauvery river. The unfortunate incident occurred in Muttathi, located in the Malavalli taluk of Mandya district.

The victims have been identified as 40-year-old Nagesh, 17-year-old Bharat, 32-year-old Guru, and 16-year-old Mahadev, all hailing from Mysore. Currently, the bodies of two individuals have been recovered, while efforts persist in locating the remaining two.

The group, consisting of 40 individuals, had embarked on a trip from Mysore to Muttathi in Malavalli taluk, traveling together in a single bus. Amidst the excursion, four members of the group decided to go for a swim in the Kaveri river. Tragically, one of them encountered difficulties while swimming and drowned. In a valiant attempt to rescue their friend, three others ventured into the water, only to meet a similar fate.

As the community mourns this devastating loss, rescue teams continue their tireless efforts to locate the missing bodies. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers associated with water activities, underscoring the importance of safety measures and vigilance.

Escalating tension in Mandya district over the removal of a saffron flag featuring Hanuman’s image has transformed a local matter into a full-fledged political controversy. The situation, which took a political turn on Sunday, witnessed protests across the district, pitting the ruling Congress against the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular). The BJP also staged a protest in Bengaluru.

The controversy turned contentious when authorities replaced the saffron flag, previously raised to commemorate the consecration of the Ram temple at Ayodhya, with the tricolour atop a 108-ft flagpole in Keragodu village. This move triggered widespread discontent, leading to protests by agitators, including opposition party leaders and workers from the BJP and JD(S).

On Monday, protesters gathered in Keragodu village, demanding the reinstatement of the Hanuman flag and marched 15 km to voice their dissent. To prevent any untoward incident, police and security personnel were deployed, and Section 144 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) was imposed to maintain order.

As the political discourse intensified, the Congress government faced opposition demands to allow the hoisting of the saffron flag once again. Agitators warned of displaying the saffron flag on every household, temple, and commercial establishment in the district. The clash between agitators brandishing Hanuman flags and the police reached a boiling point on Monday, resulting in a brief lathi charge when protesters targeted banners of Congress MLA Ravi Ganiga.

Amid preventative restrictions and heightened security, villagers expressed their displeasure, demanding the lifting of Section 144 and urging action against officials responsible for lowering the flag. Villagers insisted that their voices be heard, emphasizing that the district administration must be held accountable for their actions.

JD(S) chief and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy joined the protest, accusing the Congress government of displaying an ‘anti-Hindu’ attitude. He demanded the lifting of prohibitory orders, the transfer of the Deputy Commissioner, and that villagers be allowed to hoist the Hanuman flag.

BJP leader C T Ravi pledged that if such sentiments persist, the people, including farmers in Mandya, would unite against the Congress in the upcoming polls, aiming to secure victory in all 28 seats. Agitators questioned whether the Congress government, allegedly displaying an anti-Hindu and anti-Hanuman attitude, could survive, drawing historical parallels with Ravana’s fate.

In Bengaluru, BJP workers led by Leader of the Opposition R Ashok staged a protest on Monday against the lowering of the Hanuman flag in Mandya. Despite not receiving police approval, hundreds of party workers were detained after gathering near Mysuru Bank circle. BJP office bearers later met the Bengaluru DC, condemning the act and demanding the rehoisting of the Hanuman flag in Keragodu. They urged the state government to respect Hindu culture. Similar protests were held by BJP workers in various parts of the state.

Mandya: In anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mandya district for the inauguration of the Bengaluru-Mysore National Dashpath Road, the traffic route has been changed. From 7 am onwards, no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the Bengaluru-Mysore National Highway, except for essential services and milk vehicles on the service road until 9 am.

Vehicles coming to participate in the Prime Minister’s program near Gezjalagere Colony in Maddur taluk have been given specific routes to follow. Those moving from the Malavalli direction should go via KM Doddi-Hunnanadoddi, Borapara Gate, and take the road to Kudurgundi Colony to reach the parking lot. Those coming from surrounding villages of Gezjalagere should proceed to the parking space via Kudurugundi village and Sadolalu Kudurugundi Colony from Gezjalagere underpass. Vehicles coming from Mandya side should come from Hanakere service road near Gezjalagere village and proceed to the parking space from Gezjalagere underpass via Kudurugundi village and Sadolalu Kudurugundi Colony.

Moreover, the use of unmanned drone cameras is strictly prohibited in the area, and the district collector, Dr. H.N. Gopalakrishna, has issued an order to that effect. This move is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the Prime Minister and other dignitaries during the event.

Such measures are not uncommon when high-profile leaders visit an area, as they help to manage the traffic flow and prevent any untoward incidents. The change in traffic routes and the ban on unmanned drone cameras is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of the Prime Minister’s visit.

In conclusion, with the change in traffic routes and the prohibition on unmanned drone cameras in the area, the authorities are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of the Prime Minister and other dignitaries during the inauguration of the Bengaluru-Mysore National Dashpath Road. These measures will also help to manage the traffic flow and prevent any untoward incidents, making the event a success.