Home minister's effigy burnt over book issue

Bidar, Karnataka, July 13 (UNI) The Bandh call given by various organisations in protest against 'Anu Deva Horganavanu', a literary work by writer Banjagere Japayrapash, evoked good response in this district today.

Though the bandh passed off peacefully, sporadic incidents of stone pelting were reported.

The agitators, who alleged that the book contained distorted facts about the caste of the parents of 12th century social reformer Basvaeshwara, took out a procession demanding ban on the book. They also burnt an effigy of Home Minsiter M P Prakash who they alleged had taken indifferent stand on the issue.

The agitators submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner and demanded immediate ban of the book, which according to them had hurt the sentiments of large sections of the people, mainly those belonging to Veerashiva community.

Commercial establishments and educational institutions were closed in Bidar, Bhalki, Basavakalyana, Humnabad and Aurad towns.

However banks and state government offices functioned normally.

Miscreants pelted stones at a Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation bus. Karantaka State Road Transport Corporation had withdrawn its services in the entire district during the bandh.

UNI