Taslima article row: Police firing kill two people in Karnataka

Shimoga (Karnataka) March 1 (ANI): At least two people died and four others injured when police opened fire to control a violent mob protesting against Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen in Karnataka's Shimoga district on Monday evening.

The incident took place when some organisations raised objection against an article on burqa tradition written by Nasreen in a Kannada newspaper.

The procession turned violent and the mob pelted stones on vehicles, in which at least 20 vehicles, including eight state transport corporation buses, were damaged.

The mob also torched 12 two wheelers and an auto.

The incidents of petrol bomb throwing were also reported from different parts of the city.

Shimoga is the hometown of Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurapa.

A night curfew has been imposed in four police station areas in the city.

Meanwhile, the state Home Department has issued alert notice and imposed section 144 in main cities as a precautionary measure.

Opposition party leader Sidharamayya raised the matter in the Vidhan Sabha.

State Law Minister Suresh Kumar assured the House that the Government will make a detailed statement on Tuesday. (ANI)