Taslima Nasreen says she never wrote article for Kannada newspaper

New Delhi, Mar 2 (ANI): In the backdrop of violent protests in Karnataka's Shimoga and Hassan towns, controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen on Tuesday denied writing an article in a Kannada newspaper, which provoked riots in Shimoga.

"I have never written an article and Monday's protest in Shimoga has really shocked me, claimed Nasreen. She said that the article was published to malign her.

At least two people died and several others were injured when police opened fire to control a violent mob protesting against Taslima Nasreen in Karnataka's Shimoga district on Monday evening.

The incident took place when some organisations raised objections to the article on burqa tradition reportedly written by Nasreen in a Kannada newspaper named 'Kannada Prabha'.

The procession turned violent when a mob stoned at least 20 vehicles, including eight state transport corporation buses.

Twelve two wheelers and an auto were also damaged.

Incidents of petrol bomb throwing were also reported from different parts of Shimaga and Hassan.

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

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

The state Home Department has issued alert notice and imposed Section 144 (It is a section of Code of Criminal Procedure, which prohibits assembly of five or more persons, holding of public meetings, and carrying of firearms and can be invoked for up to two months) in the cities as a precaution.

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

State Law Minister Suresh Kumar assured the House the Government would make a detailed statement today. (ANI)