5 held in Karnataka on the charge of spreading rumours

New Delhi, Aug 17: Five persons were arrested on the charge of spreading rumours that triggered the exodus of people hailing from Northeastern states residing in Karnataka, Chief Minister

said.

He said four other persons have been identified and they are going to be arrested soon. "Five persons have already been arrested (for spreading rumours). Some four more people are there. Their names have been identified. They (Police) are going to arrest more persons also," Shettar told reporters here.

In an effort to instill confidence among fear-stricken people of the North East residing in the state, the Chief Minister claimed normalcy has returned to the state with no reports about exodus on Friday. He warned more arrests are likely in connection with the incident and reached out to people from the region that they can be as safe as they were earlier in the southern state.

"We have told the Northeast people that the entire government is with them...There is no threat from any community," he said. "On day one, 5000 to 6000 people have gone back to Assam. Yesterday, 5000 to 6000 people have gone back and today nothing. Normal atmosphere is created. Nothing happened today," Shettar said.

His statement came even as reports said the exodus not only continued but spread from Bangalore to some other parts of the state. Shettar said today that yesterday he held meeting with top police officers along with Home Minister R Ashok and instructions have been given to law enforcement agency to protect the interest of the people from the Northeast.

Asked whether he sees the hands of any extremist organisations in spreading rumours, he said it will be revealed only after investigation. "I don't want to say anything because investigation is on. We have to identify people spreading rumours," he said.

PTI