Shivamogga: Was stone pelting pre-planned? Masked youth seen on CCTV arriving in Omni vans before violence breaks out

Team Udayavani, Oct 2, 2023, 3:00 PM IST

Shivamogga: Questions are being raised as to whether the stone pelting incident during the Eid Milad procession here was pre-planned. The CCTV footage accessed showed several youths arriving in Omni cars just minutes before the violence began, supporting this plausibility.

The Muslim community leaders had decided to hold a procession on October 1 as the Ganesh Festival procession was held by the Hindu Mahasabha on September 28. During the procession which started on Sunday evening, houses were pelted with stones. Stones were also pelted at the policemen who intervened.

The CCTVs installed near the Ragi Gudda Shaneshwara temple recorded two Omni cars arriving just minutes before the violence broke out. About 15  young men, covering their faces with green cloth, can be seen getting out of these vehicles. The same youths are seen fleeing the scene after the violence broke out.

Only a thorough investigation can shed light on whether the incident was pre-planned.

According to PTI, police on Monday said that the situation in the Ragi Gudda area is now peaceful and under control.  “We have asked those who suffered injuries and property damage, to file complaints. We have already secured some people, who were involved in the incident. There is videography, CCTV camera, and drone camera footage, we will nab all those involved and ensure they are punished,” Shivamogga Superintendent of Police G K Mithun Kumar said.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said more than 40 miscreants have been arrested in connection with the stone-pelting incident in Shivamogga and cases booked against them.

In Bengaluru, Home Minister G Parameshwara termed it a minor stone pelting incident and said the police have controlled it, and suspects have been taken into custody. To a question on reports that some miscreants wearing masks had indulged in stone pelting, the Home Minister said they have been arrested now and legal action will be taken against them after inquiry.

(With PTI inputs)