PFI links with Mangaluru violence during anti-CAA protests emerge

FIR with respect to Mangaluru protests in Karnataka stated that PFI and SDPI have links to the violence caused during the anti-CAA stir on December 19.    

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru Police released a series of crowd-sourced videos showing incidents of stone-pelting and arson to justify the firing of bullets during the anti-CAA protest that turned violent on December 19. The footage obtained by the police clearly showed that the violence was pre-planned and masked youths planned to attack the police by pelting stones at them and drifting away the CCTVs, so nothing gets recorded.

In the latest update, the Mangaluru Police probing the violence during anti-CAA protests filed an FIR which includes the names of Popular Front of India (PFI) and SDPI. The FIR states that around 500 people from different Muslim organisations along with leaders and members from of PFI, SDPI gathered at a place despite prohibitory orders in place.  

The FIR further states how these men were equipped with lethal weapons such as stones, soda bottles and wooden sticks. The protesters barged into Hamilton circle and attacked the cops with lethal weapons despite repeated warnings by the cops.

The report also states that the protesters not just attacked the cops but also caused huge damage to public property.

A total of 24 cases have been registered in connection to the Mangaluru violence during anti-CAA protests on December 19. The Mangaluru Police have arrested 12 people so far in connection to the attack on Bundur police station.

Two people were killed in the police firing and Karnataka CM had announced ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the victims’ kin. However, the ex-gratia was withdrawn and CM BS Yediyurappa said the compensation would be given only after probe is completed and if the victims are not found guilty.