Udupi: Karnataka home minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the police had to resort to firing as a last step to bring the violence under control at DJ Halli and KG Halli limits. Maintaining that the situation is under control, he said the government as a precautionary measure had sought Centre’s assistance to deal with the fallout.

As a result, the Union home ministry dispatched six CRPF teams. Six additional CRPF platoons have been called from Hyderabad and Chennai to Bengaluru. Rapid action force, Garuda commandos have also been deployed.

 

Referring to the sequence of events that unfolded in the state capital, Bommai while condemning the goondaism and violence in areas under two police station limits, said the police resorted to firing as a last resort as rioters were relentless in their attack on the Pulikeshi Nagar Congress MLA R Akhanda Srinivas Murthy’s house, police station, indulging in arson and stone pelting on police and damage to public. Three people died in the firing, Bommai said.

Interacting with media persons on Wednesday, Bommai said, “I have to make an important announcement regarding the recovery of the property that was vandalised in the violence. As per Supreme Court direction, any public property damage should be recovered by the ones responsible for it. We are taking action immediately. We are identifying the people and assessing the damage and we will see to it that properties are recovered.”

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Meanwhile, section 144 has been imposed in Bengaluru by Bengaluru city Police commissioner after violence broke out in DJ Halli and KG Halli area. Section 144 is imposed in Bengaluru city from Wednesday (6 am) to Thursday (6am), commissioner said in an order.

MLA Akhanda Srinivas Murthy whose house was ransacked on Wednesday night seeks protection from the government.

Speaking to reporters, Srinivas Murthy demanded a CBI or CID probe. "This incident has no connection with me. The mob had attacked my house using a petrol bomb. I have requested police security from chief minister and minister R Ashoka."

Speaking about Naveen, whose derogatory social media post triggered violence last night, Srinivas Murthy said, "Naveen is my elder sister's son and we are not in touch with them for past 10 years."