Violence erupts in Bangalore over communal Facebook post, 3 killed in police firing

Three people were killed after police opened fire at vandals who went on a rampage over a derogatory Facebook post targeting a religious minority community on Tuesday (Aug 11) night.

The irate mob went violent after the police allegedly refused to take complaint against the individual, P Naveen, purportedly a relative of Congress MLA Akhanda Shrinivasa Murthy, at DJ Halli and KG Halli police stations. Soon after, the crowd gathered in front of DJ Halli police station demanding the police to take a complaint. The angry mob also gathered in front of the MLA’s house and pelted stone and set ablaze vehicles.

Additional police were deployed at night and the police took control of the situation at midnight.

Police Commissioner Kamal Pant who rushed to the spot said they have arrested the accused Naveen for posting the derogatory message on a social media platform and also arrested 110 people for arson, stone pelting and assault on police.

With regard to incidents in DJ Halli, accused Naveen arrested for posting derogatory posts.. also total 110 accused arrested for arson, stone pelting and assault on police. APPEAL TO ALL TO COOPERATE WITH POLICE TO MAINTAIN PEACE.

— Kamal Pant, IPS (@CPBlr) August 11, 2020

Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai who appealed for peace gave a freehand to the police to control the situation and said they will investigate the matter. “However powerful the guilty are, we will take action. But people must not take the law into their hands,” he said.

Meanwhile the Congress MLA Srinivasa Murthy sent out a video message appealing for calm. “I request our Muslim friends, let’s not fight for the mistake of some miscreants. Whoever made a mistake, let’s teach them a lesson through police and legal means. I request our Muslim friends to please remain peaceful. We stand with you in this.”