Attack on Karnataka Police Station: Deputy CM Shivakumar Assures Action Against Wrongdoing

Mysuru (Karnataka), Feb 12 (NationPress) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar toured the riot-affected Udayagiri area in Mysuru city on Wednesday regarding the police station assault and affirmed that appropriate action will be taken against any wrongdoing linked to the incident.

A mob attacked the police station in Mysuru in response to an inflammatory communal social media post on Monday. The police had to use lathi charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

After visiting the affected area, Shivakumar remarked, “The stone-pelting incident in Udayagiri involved boys aged 15-16. The police managed the situation exceptionally well, preventing any injuries. I commend all officers for their effective management.”

He further stated, “No matter who is at fault, it is still a fault. The police will pursue legal action against any misconduct. I’ve received a report from the police. Following the incident, senior leaders from the Muslim community arrived to help stabilize the situation. Some leaders were injured, as was Police Officer Mutturaj. I have reviewed video evidence.”

When questioned about Cooperation Minister K. N. Rajanna’s comments blaming the police for the Udayagiri unrest, Shivakumar said, “The Chief Minister and Home Minister will respond to the minister’s remarks. The police have performed commendably in managing the Udayagiri situation. I cannot comment on others' statements, but while the police had protection, the public did not.”

Regarding the government’s support for the police, he replied, “As Deputy Chief Minister, I am here at the incident site making this statement. What could be more official? The Chief Minister needs about eight more days to recover from a knee injury before addressing this issue.”

On the rioters' attack on police due to delays in filing an FIR, he stated, “The police acted swiftly. The damage caused by the riot is currently being assessed. We are collecting footage from cameras, and legal action will be taken against all responsible parties.”

Karnataka Police have initiated a search for an Islamic religious teacher who allegedly delivered hate speech that incited the mob to attack the police station in Mysuru city over a controversial social media post.

Police have identified 50 to 60 individuals involved in the violence, including stone pelting. All will be detained for questioning, with legal processes set to begin soon. The accused are being identified through CCTV footage.

Previously, Karnataka Police detained one individual related to a provocative social media post targeting a specific community while celebrating the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections, which sparked unrest in Mysuru city.

The individual, a resident of Kalyannagar in Mysuru, posted derogatory remarks about Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, former Chief Ministers Akhilesh Yadav and Arvind Kejriwal, and made incendiary communal statements against a particular religious group. This post rapidly gained traction on social media on Monday evening.

By late Monday night, a group from the minority community gathered outside the Udayagiri police station demanding action against the accused. Despite police efforts to calm the crowd and involving religious leaders for assistance, the situation escalated, leading to stone pelting at the police station and an attack on the DCP's official vehicle.

The crowd shouted slogans, and when the situation spiraled out of control, police resorted to lathi-charge and later deployed tear gas.

Additional police forces were summoned, and senior police officials, along with local political leaders, urged the crowd to disperse, assuring them that action would be taken against the accused. They eventually managed to convince the mob to cease the protest.

Although the police have regained control of the situation, tension continues to linger in the area.