Cauvery row in Bengaluru: Amid violence and arson, one killed, curfew imposed

One person was killed and another injured in police firing in Karnataka as the Cauvery water sharing row with Tamil Nadu turned violent today, escalating tensions between the two states. 

As Bangalore witnessed widespread violence bringing it on the edge, night curfew was imposed in 16 police station limits late tonight.

Police said Rajgopal Nagar, Kamakshipalya, Vijaynagar, Byatarayanpura Kengeri, Magadi Road, Rajajinagar, RR Nagara, KP Agrahara Chandra layout, Yeshwanathapura, Mahalakshmi layout, Peenya, RMC Yard, Nandini Layout and Jnanabharathi are under curfew. 

Widespread violence erupted today in Bengaluru and some other parts of Karnataka, while sporadic trouble was witnessed in Tamil Nadu following the Supreme Court's modified order on sharing Cauvery water by the two riparian states. 

Police opened fire when a mob tried to attack a patrol vehicle at Hegganahalli in Rajagopal Nagar police limits as violence flared up in Bengaluru city with rampaging mobs setting fire to buses and trucks with Tamil Nadu registration plates. 

 

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"Two were brought with bullet injuries. One with bullet injury near the heart has died. The other is being operated for injury on right thigh," Dr. Giridhar, Managing Director of Lakshmi Multi-Speciality Hospital, where they were taken, told PTI. 

Soon after the apex Court gave its amended order, directing Karnataka to release 12000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu till September 20, violence and arson flared up in Bengaluru, with rampaging mobs setting fire to at least 30 vehicles bearing Tamil Nadu number plates. 

As violence broke out sending a wave of panic across Bengaluru, the city was brought under prohibitory orders till September 14. 

In Bengaluru, as reports of arson and vandalism spread, office goers rushed back home, with many companies calling off work as a precautionary step and schools and colleges declaring a holiday. The sudden rush caused traffic gridlocks in several parts. 

The Metro, on which lakhs of commuters depend, also temporarily suspended its services. 

Activists of disparate pro-Kannada outfits took control of streets in several areas and engaged in stone throwing and arson, targeting buses and trucks. Two Chennai-based hotels and mobile shops were attacked and vandalised in Bengaluru. 

Schools and Colleges in Mandya, the epicentre of Cauvery protests schools and colleges have declared holiday till 14 September as a precautionary measure. In Mandya district, two trucks were set ablaze and the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway was blocked. 

Police made a lathi-charge to disperse a violent mob, which tried to loot some shops. Several vehicles with Tamil Nadu registration number plates were damaged on the highway, police said. 

 

Trucks with Tamil Nadu registration number plate were stoned or set on fire also in Mandya, Mysuru, Chitradurga and Dharwad districts as Kannada activists gave vent to their anger against the order of the top court which had earlier directed Karnataka to give 15000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. 

Parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry too saw protests by fringe outfits, with some commercial and government establishments of Karnataka coming under attack, in an apparent retaliation of happenings in Karnataka. 

In view of the deteriorating situation, the Centre rushed 10 companies (about 1,000 personnel) of the special anti-riot paramilitary force RAF to Karnataka. Officials said if the need arises, some of the contingents will also be deployed in Tamil Nadu. 

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said the government did not expect the protest to go to this extent. "We expected that if the decision goes against us, there will be some protest, but definitely not to this extent. This is all hit and run kind of thing where 20-30 people join together to protest where police are not there, then they suddenly run away". 

The situation was being brought under control, he said adding that 200 people been detained. 

He said forces have been deployed at sensitive points, particularly where Tamil population and establishments are located. "We have taken utmost precaution. We have received 10 companies of central forces. We have requested for more." 

A prominent transport company depot in the city bore the brunt with at least 30 buses going up in flames. 

Managing Director of Salem headquartered KPN Tours and Travels Limited Rajesh Natarajan claimed in Chennai 40 of his buses were set on fire.

 

In Tamil Nadu, outfits such as Naam Tamizhar Katchi and Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi hit the streets protesting the ongoing agitations in Karnataka opposing release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, police said. 

A popular restaurant in Chennai owned by a native of Karnataka was vandalised while protesters created a ruckus at a Karnataka Bank branch in neighbouring Union Territory of Puducherry, police said. 

Four persons were detained in connection with the restaurant attack while around 25 taken into custody in Puducherry, they said. 

Police protection was provided to the Karnataka Bank branches in Tamil Nadu. 

In Rameswaram, seven tourist vehicles bearing Karnataka registration that were parked at a temple were damaged when agitated members of various outfits including Naam Tamizhar Katchi allegedly indulged in vandalism. 

The group entered the parking lot of the temple near Agni Theertham sea in the town and damaged the vehicles with clubs and stones, police said. 

Cases have been registered against seven persons in connection with the episode, they said.