29 Pro-Kannada Activists Arrested For Vandalising Properties In Bengaluru

Updated: Thursday, December 28, 2023, 11:00 [IST]

After Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) workers went on a rampage and destroyed several business establishments, the Bengaluru police have arrested 29 individuals through three FIRs filed at Chikkajala Police Station.

Among those arrested is KRV state president Narayana Gowda, who, along with others, appeared before a judge at the latter's residence near Devanahalli on Thursday and has been remanded to judicial custody until January 10.

Activists of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Narayana Gowda faction) during a rally over the 60 per cent Kannada sign board rules, in Bengaluru. PTI Photo

The agitation initiated by KRV members on Wednesday sought a demand for 60% of signage on nameboards to be in Kannada. Despite heightened police presence, the protest turned violent as KRV workers vandalized numerous English nameboards.

Over 400 KRV workers were detained and dispersed to different locations by the police, with a group held at the Police Driving and Maintenance School in Yelahanka. While several detainees were released after 9 pm, Narayana Gowda and associates remained in police custody, prompting further protests by KRV workers at the police driving school, demanding their release.

What has happened to law & order in Bengaluru???

Pro kannada groups on a total vandalism spree across central Bengaluru. Smash English Signboards & vandalise property in full public view.. cops struggle to maintain order!! https://t.co/iQeNNhsxWX pic.twitter.com/1QG9NazwxG
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) December 27, 2023

A billboard being vandalised by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Narayana Gowda faction) activists, in Bengaluru. PTI Photo

Around 1 am on Thursday, Narayana Gowda and 28 others underwent a medical examination at Yelahanka Government Hospital. During the transfer to the hospital via Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) vehicles, KRV workers hurled stones at the vehicles.

By 5 am, Narayana Gowda and cohorts were presented before a judge at his Devanahalli residence. Subsequent to the proceedings, the judge extended their judicial custody until January 10.

A signboard of a business establishment being vandalised by a Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Narayana Gowda faction) activist, in Bengaluru. PTI Photo

The arrests were made on grounds of assaulting a police constable and causing damage to various business properties. Charges have been filed against the arrested individuals under IPC sections 283 (Causing danger or obstruction), 188 (Disobedience to lawful orders), 427 (Mischief), 341 (Wrongful restraint), and 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from duty).

KRV workers are gearing up to escalate their protest on Thursday, advocating for the release of their detained comrades.