The Karnataka Police on Thursday detained 46 persons after communal clashes broke out between two groups when a procession was heading to immerse an idol of the deity Ganesha in Mandya district, India Today reported.

The clashes occurred a day earlier in Nagamangala town when a few persons from Badarikoppalu village took out the procession.

According to Mandya Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi, the procession spent more time near a mosque without moving. “There were arguments between members of the two communities over this,” he said. “Police intervened and tried to disperse the crowd.”

Baladandi said that the police used batons to control the situation. Subsequently, several persons from the Hindu community placed the idol in front of a police station in the area and protested, the Deccan Herald reported.

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“Members of the other community also gathered in large numbers and started throwing stones,” Baladandi was quoted as saying by India Today. He said a few shops and bikes on the road were set on fire.

Police personnel were injured during the clashes, MB Boralingaiah, inspector-general of police (south division), told ANI. Prohibitory orders were also imposed in the area on Wednesday.

The situation is currently under control, said Boralingaiah. “We have sufficient police forces, and fire engines are at the spot,” he said.

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The police officer added: “Investigation is underway. We are verifying the reasons for the instigation, our officers are on duty.”

Following the detention of the persons on Thursday, a few of their relatives demanded their release in front of the police station. “Our people did nothing wrong,” said an unidentified relative of one of the detainees. “They were arrested for no reason.”

However, the police said that the persons were taken for questioning in connection with the incident. “Those who have done nothing wrong will be released,” an unidentified police officer said.