Yamanur excesses: Karnataka CM says sorry, cases to be reviewed

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed regret over the police atrocities on farmers and women in Yamanur and Alagavadi villages of Dharwad district during protests on the Mahadayi issue.

Addressing the media here on Wednesday, the Chief Minister  said. “No one will endorse a police lathicharge against innocent women and farmers. The Home Minister has already expressed his regret over the incident and has ordered an inquiry into the matter”, he said.

In the aftermath of the interim order of the Mahadayi tribunal on July 27, farmers had agitated and damaged government properties in Dharwad district. Police have registered 24 cases against 187 people under various sections, some non-bailable in nature, the CM said.

“Senior police officer Ragavendra Auradkar will review the cases against the 187 people.  After the review, the government will take a decision to remove serious charges like those under section 307 against innocent people and students if any’, the CM said.

The government has already ordered the suspension of a police inspector, sub-inspector and 8 police constables, who resorted to the lathi-charge against farmers and women, Mr Siddaramaiah said.

Regarding the bomb explosion in the premises of a court in Mysuru, the CM said that prima facie, it was found that experts were involved in the crime.

“The incident is very similar to the Chitturu and Kollam blasts this year, at both places, court premises were targeted by the culprits. The police has shared information with National Investigating Agency (NIA) and IB about the Mysuru blast”, he said.