Karnataka slaps Sec 144 in part of Shivamogga over communal violence

Condemning the looting of shops owned by Hindus and alleged attack on houses in the name of Eid Milad procession, Kateel alleged communal forces have become active after the Congress-led government came to power in the state.

Part of Karnataka's Shivamogga district went under Section 144 of the CrPC on October 2 after communal violence flared up on Sunday night.

The unrest broke out in Ragi Gudda during an Eid-Milad procession over a cut-out image, which become the centre of a raging debate since September 30. According to news agency PTI, mob hurled stones at a few houses and vehicles, and injured several people.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said 40 people have been arrested so far on charges of disrupting peace in the Shivamogga district. "An Eid Milad procession was underway when some miscreants pelted stones. They also threw stones at the police... Our government will not tolerate such activities. The situation is under control now," he said.

State BJP chief Nalin Kumar Kateel alleged that communal forces were behind the violence.

"Some miscreants pelted stones during the Eid Milad procession. Some vehicles and houses were damaged. Based on the video and information, some people have already been arrested in connection with the incident. Section 144 has been imposed in the area as a precautionary measure. A case has been registered. The situation is now under control, apart from Shanti Nagar and Ragi Gudda. Strict action will be taken against the culprits," Shivamogga Police Superintendent GK Mithun Kumar told ANI news agency.

In Bengaluru, Home Minister G Parameshwara played down the incident as a "minor stone-pelting issue" and said the police have controlled it, and suspects have been taken into custody.

Police urged locals to refrain from spreading rumours on social media platforms.