Mob violence rocks a suburb of Mysore

Mysore, Apr 3 (ANI): The district administration of Mysore in Karnataka declared Section 144 after communal mob violence resulted in extensive destruction of private and public property including injuries to police personnel.

This untowardly incident took place at Kyathamaranahalli, a suburb falling under Udayagiri Police Station in Mysore.

Reportedly, the trouble began when a couple of youngsters bought a tube of rubber vulcanising solution from a shop and sat on a nearby roadside wall where they used solution as an intoxicant. Later, they indulged in eve-teasing.

When this was reported to the local police, the youth were arrested and soon their relatives rushed to the police station demanding the release of the detained persons.

However, the police refused to budge which in turn prompted members of a particular community to attack houses and places of worship.

On sensing that the situation had gone out of control, the district administration rushed a huge contingent of police personnel to the spot.

Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party who rushed to the spot blamed miscreants for causing such a havoc.

"The mob of hundreds ransacked places of worship, desecrated the idols and damaged public property. They even attacked the residence of former Mayor of Mysore, Srikantaiah, causing much damage. It is the handiwork of miscreants since the elections are round the corner," said Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa's Parlimentary Secretary, SA Ramadas.

One of the victims who incidentally happened to be the former Mayor of Mysore termed the violence as most unwarranted and recalled that by and large his neighbourhood had always been peaceful.

"The police detained four persons who managed to abscond while two others are in custody. Soon, the father of one of the accused mobilised people of his community and it was free for all," said H N Srikantaiah, former Mayor of Mysore.

Meanwhile, 16 persons have been arrested by the local police.

The situation in the area is still tense but under control.

According to Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Shobha Karandlaje, a judicial inquiry will probe the violent incidents, probably after the elections. (ANI)