Two held in yesterday's arson and violence incidents in city

Bangalore, Jan 20 (UNI) Two persons have been arrested and prohibitory orders under Section 144 Cr P C promulgated in volatile Bharatinagar and Shivajinagar areas in the city, after arson and violence broke out yesterday evening, forcing police to open fire in the air to quell angry mobs.

The situation was now under control with heavy police force deployed in sensitive areas in this part of the city.

Angry mobs, heading to a meeting organised to protest the execution of deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussain organised by former Union minister C K Jaffar Sharief, went on a rampage last evening after another group protested against the damage to some banners.

The trouble broke out when one group protested against an incident when some banners accidentally caught fire when an effigy of US President George Bush was being set on fire by the protesters. Stone throwing and torching of vehicles ensued resulting in police resorting to cane charge, lobbing of tear gas shells and ultimately firing in the air.

Nearly 50 people, including a dozen policemen, were injured in arson and stone pelting, while a police official was beaten up by the irate mob. About 25 vehicles, mostly two-wheelers, were damaged, while a police patrol jeep was set afire by the angry mob.

Additional Commissioner of Police Bipin Gopalakrishna told UNI that prohibitory orders had been clamped since last midnight and two persons had been arrested in connection with the violent incidents so far.

''We are cautious as there is a public function organised by a religious organisation tomorrow. We want the situation to pass. The situation is well under control, police pickets are in place and patrolling is on,'' he added.

UNI