Asianet NewsableAsianet Newsable

Bantwal: 43 days of curfew later, simmering emotions keeps cops alert

  • The taluk police have detained 13 persons in connection with stone pelting incident during funeral procession of RSS worker
  • The police have been strictly told to be stern on elements who try to disturb peace in the region
  • It has been 43 days since the prohibitory orders are in place in Bantwal, a record of sort in the state
Bantwal returns to normalcy but simmering emotions keep police on their toes
Author
Mangaluru, First Published Jul 9, 2017, 4:53 PM IST

The Bantwal police have detained at least 13 persons for pelting stones during the funeral procession of RSS worker Sharath Madiwala in Bantwal on Saturday. Sharath, who was grievously injured in a murderous attack early last week, succumbed to his injuries on last Friday. The detained have been produced before the magistrate, reports indicate.

Although Bantwal is slowly returning to normalcy, there lies a strong undercurrent in the region which witnessed sporadic communal clashes over the last one-and-half-month. For the past 43 days, the district administration has clamped Section 144 in Bantwal and its surrounding areas to keep communal elements in check. Perhaps, this is the first time that prohibitory orders have been in place for such a long time, reflecting the depth of simmering emotions in the region.

  

Police have deployed heavy contingents at various sensitive points. The police are also checking every entry and exit points in Bantwal especially the vehicles at 26 check-posts.

Superintendent of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy told a television channel that the police had been asked to be tough on those who try to disturb peace in the region. SP Reddy said, "We will not tolerate any kind of antics from anyone. Those who try to create drama will be sent behind bars," warned SP Reddy.

IGP (Western Range) P Harisekhara told Suvarna News that police had been strictly told to tackle any element that disturbs peace in the region, even if that meant using force. The sentiment is echoed in other media reports as well. reports that  IGP (western range) Harishekharan has even given permission to shoot those who try to attack check posts.

The Mangaluru police have been urged to take action against a Facebook page 'Mangaluru Muslims' that issued death threats to popular RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat on its page. Although it had removed the post, it had caught the attention of many. A resident of Car Street Brijesh Chowta has lodged a complaint against the Facebook page, reports Kannada Prabha.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, speaking to media persons, blamed the Congress government for provoking people. "Why are communal clashes are being reported from only two constituencies - Bantwal and Ullal - which are represented by Congress ministers - Ramanath Rai and UT Khader, respectively? Isn't this enough for the government to take action," Kateel asked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.  

Follow Us:
Download App:
  • android
  • ios