Police lob tear gas shells against protesters

Mangalore, Sept 14 (UNI) Police here today lobbed teargas shells and resorted to cane charge against agitators who protested the attack on places of worship in Mangalore and Udupi district.

Prohibitory orders under section 144 Cr PC had been clamped in the city for the next three days.

About nine churches and prayer halls were attacked allegedly by Bhajrang dal activists who were riding motor cycles in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Chikmagalur districts. The outfit said it protested against alleged conversions.

The attacks began with four places were attacked in the city in the morning and later three more places were attacked in Udupi district in the afternoon. Two places were also attacked in Chikmagalur district.

As the agitators grew in numbers in the city following the attacks, police resorted to lathi charge and lobbed tear gas shells.

This led to some people pelting stones at vehicles. Eight vehicles including that of a police officer's vehicle was damaged in the incident.

Bus services within the city and in the busy highway to Udupi had been suspended.

Police who requisitioned additional reinforcement and said the situation was under control. Five persons have been arrested in connection with today's attacks.

(ED: Pick up suitably from earlier series) UNI MA RS SKB1947