Bengaluru: Three people were killed in police firing and hundreds injured after violence erupted in east Bengaluru on Tuesday night. The Bengaluru city police chief told that 60 policemen are injured in the incident after the mob attacked KG Halli and DJ Halli police stations late at night.
As per early reports, 110 people have been arrested for violence, stone-throwing, and assault on police personnel.
The violence broke out after a relative of Congress MLA Srinivas Murthy allegedly posted a “communal hatred” post on Facebook.
The mob attacked the MLA’s residence and set many vehicles surrounding the house on fire. The MLA’s nephew Naveen has been arrested by the police.
“DG Halli and KG Halli saw violent incidents. To bring this under control, police used lathi-charge, tear gas, and firing. Police Commissioner went to the spot. Police bandobast is in place. Strict action will be taken against those offenders,” the Bengaluru police posted on Twitter.
Bengaluru city commissioner Kamal Pant said, “Mob hurled stones and bottles towards the police stations. With no choice, we were forced to fire in the air. At least 60 police personnel were injured.”
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.
— CP Bengaluru ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಆಯುಕ್ತ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು (@CPBlr) August 11, 2020
The trouble began early evening when the mob attacked the legislator’s house and set vehicles on fire. Thereafter, the mob split into groups and forced shopkeepers in Pulakeshinagara, Commercial Street, and Tannery Road to shutter down the shops. Reportedly, vehicles were set on fire in Tannery Road.
Pant said the situation has been brought under control, however, a curfew has been imposed in the violence-hit areas of DG Halli and KG Halli. Police have banned large gatherings in the rest of Bengaluru city.
Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday took to Twitter and condemned the attack. He assured actions against the perpetrators. Karnataka home minister Basavaraj Bommai also released a video message, saying people should not take law into their own hands.