Belgaum: Fear stalks city

Bengaluru: Conceding that poor policing was to blame for the continued violence in Belgaum, district minister, Satish Jarkiholi  on Friday warned that stern action would be taken against police officers found guilty of neglecting their duties.  

Addressing a press conference along with several top police officers,  including ADGP (crime), N S Megharik, who has been sent to Belgaum by the government to maintain law and order in the city, he said the ADGP would also inquire into the lapses of his department. "Some of the police officials who have failed in their duties may be transferred,” he added.

Revealing that five teams of senior police officers had been formed to find those involved in the murder of 25-year-old Feroz Pathan at Angol in the city  Wednesday night, he said it was not a communal incident, but an outcome of  personal rivalry . “The police has videos of the  group of youth escorting the body of Pathan to Angol stoning shops and vehicles. All those involved  will be arrested,” he asserted.

 While Mr Megharik too assured that  his  priority would be to ensure law and order, a team of businessmen whose shops were stoned, barged into the Deputy Commissioner’s office,where the minister was speaking to the media, demanding action against those responsible.

Meanwhile prohibitory orders under Section 144 in Belgaum city have been extended to Saturday midnight in view of the continuing tension.