Bengaluru: At least three people have died and more than 70 including police personnel were injured following violent protests in Bengaluru today over an allegedly inflammatory social media post.
According to the Bengaluru Police, a total of 165 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.
The protests began on Tuesday night outside the residence of Congress MLA R Akhanda Srinivas Murthy in Kaval Byrasandra in north Bengaluru. The mob alleged a relative of the MLA had made a social media post that was critical of Islam.
Protesters set many vehicles on fire and surrounded MLA Srinivas Murthy’s house in the city. Murthy’s nephew Naveen, who allegedly posted the message on Facebook, has been arrested.
Bengaluru police posted on Twitter: “DG Halli and KG Halli saw violent incidents. To bring this under control, police used lathi charge, tear gas and firing. Police Commissioner went to the spot. Police bandobast is in place. Strict action will be taken against those offenders.”
While 24 four-wheelers were set on fire, 200 bikes that were burnt have been kept at a police station. A police station was damaged in the violence.
Police commissioner Kamal Pant said the situation has been brought under control. While a curfew under Section 144 has been imposed in the violence-hit areas of DG Halli and KG Halli till tomorrow morning, large gatherings have been banned in the rest of Bengaluru city.