Southern India’s city Bangalore has recently witnessed deadly violence over an anti-Islam post that resulted in the killing of at least three people, and the arrest of around 110 protestors.
The situation escalated when demonstrators flocked outside a local politician’s house, whose nephew is allegedly involved in the derogatory Facebook post about the Prophet Muhammad.
According to police, the charged crowd pelted stones at the police and set ablaze their vehicles.
Bangalore police commissioner Kamal Pant said in a tweet that a partial curfew had been imposed in certain areas, and a law prohibiting the gathering had been enforced throughout the city.
More:
- Will Delhi riots during Trump visits put India’s secular image at stake?
- India, South Africa suggest the electoral system is the best remedy for minorities
- What would happen if Ramji would be alive today?
The police claim that it was forced to open fire following the angry crowd attacked two police stations in addition to the house of a lawmaker.
According to ANI, a local news agency, that quoted Bangalore joint commissioner (crime), Sandip Patil, who told that as many as 110 protestors had been arrested so far.
“As a result of police firing, the third person was killed the previous night. However, the situation is under control now,” said Pant.
What Led to This?
According to reports, a local lawmaker’s relative had posted an anti-Islam post on Facebook against which a huge number of people turned up to the police station, calling for the appropriate action be taken against the accused.
“The angry mob demanded to register the FIR against the accused, and the prompt arrest of the MLA’s relative as he had violated their religious sentiments,” said police.
However, violence ensued in Bangalore when protesters’ demands were not met, and they set alight some vehicles around the police station. Meanwhile, the protestors outside the MLA’s house also burned some surrounding vehicles.
The accused has been arrested, according to the police.
The police commissioner further said, “The angry mob attacked the police officials then it was blacked out due to power outage, and it was proving difficult to deal with the mob. As the besieged police station was being attacked from all the sides, the police had no option but to open fire.”
The said MLA afterward issued a video which showed him appealing to the Muslims. He ensured the Muslims that he stood beside them and will conduct an independent inquiry into the matter.
The Karnataka home minister also said in his video message that “Violence is against the law. Whatever is the matter, it will be resolved within the legal boundaries.” He added that “I have directed the police authorities to ensure peace, and no matter how influential is the accused, we will ensure impartiality and will bring to justice whoever is responsible for this.”
Karnataka Muslim leader Maulana Sagheer Ahmed also appealed to fellow Muslims to remain calm. He said, “The authorities have promised to bring to justice whoever is behind this mischief.” He further asked people not to take law in their hands, and let the government do its duty.
