40 Arrested, 12 Cops Injured In Karnataka Violence Over Social Media Post

Around 40 people were arrested after a mob threw stones at the old Hubli police station in the Dharwad district of Karnataka last night, which left twelve police personnel, including an inspector, injured.

Some police vehicles were also vandalised by the mob, officials said.

Police resorted to mild lathi-charge and used tear gas shells to disperse the mob, officials said, adding that prohibitory orders have been imposed in the city following the violence.

“Six cases have been registered against those involved in the violence and the situation is under control now,” said Labhu Ram, Police Commissioner, Hubli-Dharwad.

Mr Ram said a man had shared an objectionable post on social media targetting the Muslim community, which others took objection to and lodged a police complaint.

Subsequently, Police arrested the man and a case was registered against him.

However, not satisfied with the action taken against the man, a large number of people gathered outside the police station around midnight and went on a rampage, Mr Ram said.

“We have taken all preventive measures to stop the repetition of such incidents,” the police commissioner added.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai termed it as an organised attack and said those organisations behind it should know that the state will not tolerate such incidents.

“I want to tell very clearly that whoever takes law into their hands, our police will not hesitate from taking stringent action against them (rioters). Whoever they may be… Hence, whoever is behind it and instigated the mob will be punished. I want to tell the organisations behind such incidents, not to break the law. Karnataka state will not tolerate it,” news agency PTI quoted him as saying.

Speaking to reporters, state Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said a police officer is in serious condition and has been admitted to the hospital for treatment.

“A police officer is in a serious condition. Some people involved in the attack have been arrested. It was a pre-planned attack,” Mr Jnanendra said.