BENGALURU: Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said that strict action will be taken against the miscreants who pelted stones during an Eid Milad procession in Shivamogga. He said that 12 people have sustained injuries in the incident, and three of them are still in the hospital undergoing treatment.
“A grand Eid Milad procession was being held (in Shivamogga) on Sunday. Even Ganesha celebrations have been held in a grand manner. The police force was deployed and both the communities were asked to respect each other. Some miscreants pelted stones during the Eid Milad procession on purpose and police have taken action against them”, Madhu Bangarappa told reporters.
The minister said that the miscreants also barged into the residences of a few people. “About 50 people have been taken into custody based on video evidence. I cannot reveal all the details as to who has been taken into custody, but I have given clear instructions that strict action has to be taken… I have instructed all the authorities concerned to take strict action”, Bangarappa added.
Reacting to the incident, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said that action will be taken against anyone taking the law into their own hands. “We are here to take action on anyone who takes the law into their hands. We condemn such incidents. We want peace. We don’t encourage any such activities. The govt is committed to taking action against the culprits,” Shivakumar said.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said that the situation was now under control and 40 people have been arrested so far in connection with the incident.
He further said that the government will not tolerate such activities. “An Eid Milad procession was underway when some miscreants pelted stones. They also threw stones at the police. So far 40 people have been arrested. Our government will not tolerate such activities. The situation is under control now”, CM Siddaramaiah said.
The Shivamogga district administration in Karnataka has imposed section 144 on the premises of Shivamogga Mahanagara Palike limits following the incident. According to the police, a group of miscreants pelted stones at some vehicles and houses during the Eid Milad procession in Shantinagar-Ragigudda.
Shivamogga Superintendent of Police (SP) GK Mithun Kumar said that security has been tightened in the area and a case has been registered based on complaints from the police personnel who were injured during the incident.
“Some vehicles and houses were damaged due to this. Some police officers have also been hit by the stones. We have asked all of them to file a complaint. Security has been tightened in the area. A group of people have already been arrested in connection with the incident. Based on video clips and information from witnesses, the miscreants were arrested. Section 144 has been imposed in the area as a precautionary measure,” SP Mithun Kumar said.
The SP further said, “Two Rapid Action Force (RAF) platoons, 20 Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) and 500 Home Guard personnel deployed. A case has been registered in connection with the incident. Complaints are also taken from police personnel who have been pelted with stones”.
The SP also informed that the Eid Milad procession was peaceful apart from the Shantinagar-Ragigudda incident and the situation is presently under control. (ANI)