Bengaluru violence: Karnataka govt to recover cost of damage from arsonists

The hooligans who damaged public property during violence in Bengaluru last week will be made to pay for the damages.

Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa announced the decision through a series of tweets on Monday. “Our Govt has decided to assess the damages caused to public & private property in the violent incidents in KG Halli & DG Halli & recover the costs from the culprits. We will approach Hon’ble High Court for the appointment of Claim Commissioner as per Hon’ble Supreme Court order,” Yediyurappa said.

The state government has booked the protesters under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). “A Special Investigation Team has already been formed to conduct a detailed investigation in the matter and a team of three special prosecutors will be appointed for speedy trial of the cases. SIT will consider invoking Goonda Act if warranted,” Yediyurappa said.

The Karnataka government also wants social media platforms to be held accountable. “As far as social media is concerned, we are looking into the present law. We’re going to have a discussion with technical chiefs of all social media companies shortly. We wish to have some regulation which will be applicable to social media,” state home minister Basavaraj Bommai told Hindustan Times.

At least three people were killed and 60 police personnel injured after violence broke out in the eastern part of Bengaluru last week over a social media message, which was allegedly posted by a relative of a Congress legislator. Police had arrested 340 people for arson, stone-pelting and assault on cops. Congress MLA Srinivas Murthy’s nephew was also arrested for sharing the “derogatory” post on Facebook.