Tension as mob protests objectionalble substance at prayer halls

Bangalore, Jul 11 (UNI) Police burst tear gas shells and resorted to lathicharge to quell a riotous mob, which indulged in stone pelting on shops and commercial establishments in protest against throwing of an 'objectionable substance' at two places of worship.

Ban orders under Section 144 CrPC had been promulgated in the affected areas till July 13.

Police sources told UNI here that tension began in the area under JC Nagar and Hebbal police station limits in the afternoon where miscreants indulged in stone throwing against passing vehicles, including some police vans, demanding action from the police against miscreants, who were responsible for stoking communal unrest.

When Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Syed Ulfat Hussain was trying to pacify the crowd, he was pushed around amidst commotion.

Police resorted to bursting of tear gas shells and ordered lathi charge to quell the mob. Shops and commercial establishments downed shutters soon after the incident.

The agitators demanded arrest of the culprits and that Hebbal BJP legislator Katta Subramaniam Naidu should visit the spot.

However, Congress MLA Roshan Baig rushed to the spot to pacify the agitators.

Security was beefed up with rapid action force, district armed reserve besides the city police being deployed in the troubled areas.

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