Bengaluru, Sep 15: Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka on Sunday demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the recent violence in Mandya district, citing alleged involvement of Kerala-based persons with links to banned outfit such as Popular Front of India (PFI) in it.

Clashes broke out between two groups during a Ganesh idol procession in Nagamangala town in Mandya district, following which mobs went on a rampage, targeting several shops and vehicles leading to tension on Wednesday night.

"Locals have suspected the involvement of Kerala-based persons with links to banned organisations like PFI, Karnataka Forum for Dignity in the communal riots that took place during the religious immersion at Nagamangala. These wicked people had bought 150 masks before the riots, and destroyed CCTVs. Locals suspect that the crime was fully sponsored and premeditated," Ashoka said in a post on 'X'.

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As the first 23 accused named in the FIR registered by the government are Hindus, it gives rise to suspicion whether the police are under pressure from banned organisations.

"As there is a strong suspicion over the involvement of banned organisations and religious fundamentalists in this communal riot, it will be difficult for the local police to crack the case, and so I urge CM Siddaramaiah and Home Minister Parameshwara to hand over the case to the NIA," he added.

A few people, including two policemen, had sustained minor injuries in stone-pelting on Wednesday night.

According to police, an argument had broken out between two groups, when the Ganesh idol procession by devotees from Badri Koppalu village reached a place of worship on Wednesday, and some miscreants hurled stones, which escalated the situation.

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Kingston (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and discussed ways to further deepen "political, economic and people-to-people cooperation."

Jaishankar also conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Holness.

"Pleased to call on Prime Minister @AndrewHolnessJM in Kingston. Conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi," Jaishankar posted on X.

"Discussed deepening our political, economic and people-to-people cooperation. Value his commitment towards further strengthening India-Jamaica relations," the post further read.

Also, the external affairs minister handed over 10 BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes as a gift to Jamaica.

"Formally handed over 10 BHISHM Cubes as a gift from India to Jamaica, in the presence of PM @AndrewHolnessJM, Health Minister @christufton and FM @kaminajsmith," Jaishankar posted on X.

"The BHISHM Cube mobile hospital system, designed for rapid deployment, will help Jamaica during disasters and emergencies. The gift of these cubes is a statement of friendship, a commitment to disaster preparedness, and an outcome of innovation," the post said.

Jaishankar arrived in Kingston on Saturday evening, marking the first leg of his nine-day tour of Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, aimed at further strengthening India's strategic and cultural ties with the Caribbean nations.

Earlier in the day, he interacted with the Indian diaspora and discussed India's ongoing transformation in infrastructure, human development and technology-driven governance and entrepreneurship with them.

He also highlighted the cricket bond between both countries as India gifted a scoreboard to Jamaica.

A scoreboard was dedicated at Sabina Park in Kingston. It is the home of the Jamaica cricket team and is the only Test cricket ground in the Caribbean island nation.

The minister expressed hope that the new scoreboard would witness many memorable innings, including those symbolising the enduring friendship between the two countries.

Cricket has long been a strong cultural bridge between India and Jamaica, which is part of the West Indies cricket team.

Jamaican players, including Chris Gayle, Courtney Walsh and Michael Holding, have played a major role in shaping the legacy of West Indies cricket in the international arena, contributing to its dominance in earlier decades and its continued global appeal.