KPN authorities rejected all allegations, stating that it was the handy work of a local mob. Praveen Shetty, President, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, also refuted charges that his outfit was involved

According to sources in the police, KV Sharath Chandra, Additional Commissioner of Police, Crime, will head a task force of 25 to probe the recent vandalism in the bandh. 

 

There are several theories floating around with regards to the burning of the KPN buses. Several locals claimed to the media that the owner himself had torched his own buses as an insurance scam. However, KPN authorities rejected such claims, alleging that it was the handy work of a local mob.

 

Natarajan, the owner of KPN Travels, spoke Asianet Newsable and said, "I have suffered a loss of ₹15 crore, and many of my staff were attacked. All the staff fled and are now in Salem. It is work of a mob, and I cannot tell pinpoint on any individual,"

 

He refuted charges that KPN Travel members had themselves burnt the buses to claim their insurance. 

 

"The public knew that there is a shed, and they broke the gates and entered. Before entering, they had set two lorries on fire, and this prevented the police was arriving in time as the roads were blocked. I suspect that locals who knew about the travel company well might have done this. How will anybody get justice by burning buses and attacking people?"  he said. 

 

Praveen Shetty, President, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, also refuted charges that his outfit was involved in the vandalism. He said, "The attack was a reaction by angry Kannadigas and not by any one group or Kannada activists. With regards to the bandh, there should be a police inquiry,"   

 

"It is too premature to comment on who was behind the vandalism. The probe has been ordered, and no one will be spared," said NS Meghrik, City Police Commissioner.

 

Meanwhile, police have arrested seven men in connection with the torching. 

 

Read more: Seven accused of torching KPN Travels buses arrested