Two people died in violence that broke out in east Bengaluru on Tuesday night after a mob attacked a Congress MLA’s house over a communally sensitive post put up on social media allegedly by the MLA’s nephew.
The mob attacked Pulakeshinagar MLA Akhand Srinivasa Murthy’s house. Rioters also gathered near the KG Halli police station in east Bengaluru, demanding a case be registered against the nephew and vandalised police vehicles.
Tensions simmered over a Facebook post that made offensive remarks about a community. However, the MLA’s nephew later posted that his account had been hacked and that he would file a complaint.
Several platoons of the reserve police were rushed to the location. Community leaders were also called in to assuage the mob. Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City Kamal Pant said that 110 people have been arrested, including Naveen, who shared the derogatory post.
“With regard to incidents in DJ Halli, accused Naveen arrested for posting derogatory posts.. also total 110 accused arrested for arson, stone-pelting and assault on police. APPEAL TO ALL TO COOPERATE WITH POLICE TO MAINTAIN PEACE,” Pant tweeted.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday said that strict action would be taken against the perpetrators. “Directives issued against perpetrators and the government has taken all possible steps to curb the situation. Attack on journalists, police and public is unacceptable. The government won’t tolerate such provocations and rumours. Strict action against perpetrators is certain,” the chief minister said.
Murthy, too, put out an appeal on social media asking for calm.
“For the fault of some miscreants, let us not fight among ourselves. Whoever has done that, let police and government take action legally. I am also with you to see that whoever it is, is punished. Please maintain calm,” he said.
Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said strong action will be taken against those taking the law into their own hands. “Looting, rioting, arson — all this is criminal. Whatever you want to do, what issues you want to take up, please take up issues legally.
We have sent the additional police force to the place to bring things under control. We have given complete powers to the police to take action. Whoever has gone against the law, we will take strict action. I want to warn the mobsters against taking the law into your own hands,” he said in a statement issued on social media.
#BengaluruViolence: Irked mob continued violent protests for hours, police officials say. Vehicles parked inside DJ Halli police station premises also set on fire, many barged inside and vandalised furniture, attacked cops, they add. @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/uWThpChELN
— Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) August 11, 2020
