Shivamogga Violence: Over 40 Arrested, Curfew Extended; CM Says Won't Tolerate Such Incidents

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said that more than 40 people were arrested following the incident of stone pelting in Shivamogga city on Sunday. Calling the Shivamogga city to be peaceful, the CM clearly stated that his government won’t tolerate such incidents of violence.

While addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said that over 40 miscreants who were involved in the violence and who pelted stones have been arrested. “We are slapping cases on them because pelting stones while taking out a religious procession is against the law”, he added.

The Chief Minister further said that their government will not tolerate these activities and the perpetrators will be reined in.

“Shivamogga City is completely normal now. The police are taking all possible actions there. The peace has been established in the city after the stone pelting incident. “We will take up all possible measures to maintain peace in Shivamogga,” he stated.

As the tensions escalated, the Karnataka police on Monday extended curfew to the entire city of Shivamogga.

“In Shivamogga when the Eid Milad procession was taken up, miscreants had pelted stones in the Ragi Gudda area located on the outskirts of the Shivamogga city. The stones were pelted at police as well and the police had resorted to lathi charge inevitably, Siddaramaiah stated.

On Sunday, the IPC 144 prohibitory orders were clamped in the Ragi Gudda area of the city after incidents of violence during the Eid Milad procession.

As the situation continues to be tense all across the city, the security arrangements were tightened at the sensitive points and the shops were asked to be closed.

In a bid to prevent any untoward incident across the city, at least 12 platoons of District Armed Reserve (DAR), two platoons of Rapid Action Force (RAF), two platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) and 2,500 policemen have been deputed.

Adrressing the stone pelting incident the Superintendent of Police (SP) at Shivamogga, GK Mithun Kumar said that on the basis of the video and information, some people have  been arrested and a case has been registered.

Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka DK Shivakumar on Monday said that action will be taken against anyone taking the law into their own hands, in connection to the stone pelting incident in Shivamogga.

While talking to reporters the deputy CM said, “We are here to take action on anyone who takes the law into their hands. We condemn such incidents. We want peace. We don’t encourage any such activities. The govt is committed to taking action against the culprits”.

Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa also reacted to the incident and said that he has given clear instructions to the authorities in order to ensure that strict action is taken.

Earlier in February 2022, the murder of Bajrang Dal activist — Harsha had made national news. A series of stabbing incidents over putting up of banners and posters of BJP’s freedom fighter Veer Savarkar have also taken place in the city.

(with inputs from IANS)