Tension in Mysore; Siddaramaiah arrested

Mysore, Mar 31: Tension prevailed at Jayapura village in the district today following a clash between two political parties over laying the foundation stone for a hospital, culminating in the arrest of former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and clamping of prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC for three days.

According to Superintendent of Police Murugan, the trouble started when Mr Siddaramaiah, the Legislator of Chamundeswari constituency where the work was to be taken up, arrived at the venue. His presence was objected to by Janata Dal (Secular) workers and Jayapura Panchayat members and they did not allow him to perform the ceremony.

This resulted in a clash between the followers of Mr Siddaramaiah and the JD(S) workers. Police intervened and immediately imposed ban orders.

A police van and jeep, besides some KSRTC buses were stoned. As many as eight police personnel were injured.

Police arrested Mr Siddaramaiah, Mysore Zilla Panchayat Vice-President Marigowda and 110 workers and all of them were taken to the district armed force grounds.

The situation was now under control, police said.

UNI