Responsibility of police to maintain law and order: Home minister Parameshwara

BENGALURU: Home Minister G Parameshwara on Friday said action will be taken against police officials for the Nagamangala violence after receiving a report. The Nagamangala police inspector has been suspended and an inquiry has been ordered against the Deputy SP for now, he said.

Speaking to media persons here, Parameshwara said, “The police inspector had changed the route for the Ganesha idol immersion procession and it is his responsibility. We have told the police department that they are responsible for law and order across the state. There was some laxity as regards the Nagamangala incident and further action will be taken after receiving a report”, he said.

Further, he said the situation in Nagamangala is now under control and the Inspector General (South) Boralingaiah is camping there. To a question on whether the violence was pre-planned, he said it will be known after the investigation is completed. “Will any government tell somebody to create trouble”? he asked.

On his statement that the stone-throwing and hurling of crude bombs was “accidental”, he defended himself saying, “I have said it in rustic language, everything can’t be spoken in textbook style. There is no need to make a big issue out of it. The situation is under control now”.

Parameshwara said such incidents should not recur whether it is Ganesha or any other festival and that no one should take the law into their hands. “If there is any disturbance, we will take action against the guilty as per the law”, he said.

Responding to BJP charges that he is an ‘accidental’ minister and should resign, Parameshwar shot back saying, “I don’t need their certificate. I am not occupying the chair without responsibility. Are we justifying what has happened? The main involved in the case have been arrested and so far 52 arrests have been made. Despite appealing to the BJP not to politicise the issue, they are doing so”.

To a question on compensation for the affected shopkeepers, he said he will discuss the issue with the Chief Minister. “There are certain guidelines to give compensation in such cases. We will look into it and take a decision”, he added.