Karnataka CM express regret over TN bus burning

Bangalore, Sep 19 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Home Minister M P Prakash today expressed regret over torching of a Tamil Nadu bus in which two passengers were charred to death and pelting of stone on the house of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's daughter in the city last night.

Condemning the torching of the bus he assured Tamils living in the state of adequate protection. He also condemned the mob attack on the residence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's daughter Selvi in the city.

Speaking to newspersons Mr Prakash said that the Chief Minister and had expressed regret over the incident to the Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and to Mr Karunanidhi and have assured protection to Tamilians living in Karnataka.

Alleging that the incident was aimed at creating rift between Tamilians and Kannadigas, who are living in harmony in the State, he said that but they will not succeed in their attempt. "Strict instructions have been given by the Chief Minister and myself to bring to book the culprits, however big they may be and to whichever organisation they belonged to", he added.

Meanwhile, City Police Commissioner Neelam Achutha Rao said that following the incident additional forces have been deployed in front of Ms Selvi's house and patrolling had been intensified.

Replying to a question, he said according to evidences available both the incident seems to be not connected with each other.

However, 9 people were taken into custody for questioning.

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UNI