Approximately three dead, over 50 cops injured in Bengaluru riots.
On the night of the 11th of August, a violent clash took place in east Bengaluru City.
The news of three deaths and injured police officials was confirmed by the Bengaluru Police.
The police in a statement said they had resorted to using batons, tear gas and opening fire to bring the situation under control.
According to sources, the reason behind the violent clash was an alleged derogatory social media post by the Indian National Congress (INC) leader’s relative. The message posted was allegedly offensive to Islam and its beliefs. More cops were deployed in the area following directions from the Home Minister, Basavaraj Bommai.”
The incident started at around 8:00 P.M., on the 11th of August.
According to police, small groups of people arrived at Pulkeshi Nagar Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Mr. Murthy’s residence in Kaval Byrasandra.
Soon the area witnesses a gathering of 100 people protesting outside the DJ Halli police station. The group of people were demanding immediate action against the people who posted the derogatory message on social media.
However, the MLA’s relatives, from whose account the derogatory message was posted denied the allegations and said his official social media accounts were hacked.
A senior police official investigating the matter said, “The accused has stated that his account was hacked and he was unaware of uploading the derogatory post. We have retrieved the post which was deleted and a detailed investigation is underway. Possibilities of conspiracy cannot be denied at the moment.”
A group of mobs started pelting stones and torched vehicles in DJ Halli and KG Halli areas.
Commissioner Kamal Pant, the Commissioner of Bengaluru City, said, “We have learned that three people have died during the incident. However, we are yet to ascertain the exact reason behind these deaths.”
Mr. Pant said nearly 50 police personnel, including senior officers at the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) level were also injured in the incident.
Kamal Pant said, “Police jeeps, buses, and other vehicles parked in the area were torched by the mob. Stone pelting was also rampant in the area during the late hours. Two vehicles in which DCPs arrived at the site were overturned and burnt.”
The Bengaluru Police arrested the person behind the derogatory post and also filed a case involved in yesterday’s violence.
Mr. Pant said, “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.”
Meanwhile, B.S. Yediyurappa, the Chief Minister of Bengaluru, directed the police to take strict action against those involved in the incident.
The Bengaluru Government in an issued notice said, “Directions have been issued to the police to take strict action against the perpetrators involved in inciting violence at MLA Akhanda Srinivas Murthy’s residence and later against the police in DJ Halli station limits. The government will take all measures to punish the guilty.”
Mr. Yediyurappa said, “The Government will not tolerate such provocations and rumors. I appeal to the public to maintain peace.
The police also imposed restrictions under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in DJ Halli and KG Halli police station.
An investigation related to the social media post and yesterday’s violence is underway.
Stay tuned for further updates.
