Karnataka: CM, BJP point fingers at police failure for disturbance during idol immersion

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) point fingers at police department over its failure to avert stone pelting incident in Davangere and violence in Nagamangala town of Mandya during the Lord Ganesh idol immersion procession. However, the Chief Minister blamed the leaders of BJP for trying to stir up communal harmony in the State.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru city, Siddaramaiah said “Police failure has been observed in the incidents and with regard to violence in Nagamangala, DySP has been placed under suspension.”

It may be recalled here that the Police Inspector attached to Nagamangala town was suspended for violence in Nagamangala which led to stone pelting between two groups and several shops were set ablaze.

Meanwhile, a fact finding committee of BJP led by MLA and former minister Dr Ashwathnarayan stated police failure led to disturbance in Nagamangala and accused the ruling Congress government in Karnataka of withdrawing cases against erring persons for vote bank politics. Ashwathnarayan submitted his report to State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra in Bengaluru.

Apart from police failure to avert the disturbance, Ashwathanarayan observed polarization happening in Nagamangala. He term,ed the disturbance in Nagamangala as a pre-planned one and a group targeted particular shops to set it on fire.

“Disturbace has been reported in at least 10 places across the State during idol immersion time. A group has been instigated to indulge in violent activities,” alleged the BJP MLA.