Mangaluru, Jan 18, 2015 : Prohibitory orders under Section 144 has been imposed in Karaya in Belthangady taluk in the backdrop of the communal clashes reported in the area soon after the Virat Hindu Sangama at Puttur.
Speaking to the media at his office here on January 17, Saturday, the SP also informed that the police have registered three suo moto cases in connection with the incident. He said the police had taken timely action as soon as stoning incidents were reported at Karaya on Friday night. He said a group of 24 people who tried to cause disturbance were booked by the police.” All the 24 who were returning from the convention had stones in the truck and have been booked for trying to incite tension. All have been released on bail,” the SP said.
As many as five police personnel and 19 persons sustained injuries in the clashes. He also stated that the police had made elaborate security arrangements for the Hindu Sangama and nearly 1500 police personnel were deployed at sensitive places. All security checks were also done by the police, he said adding police personnel were also deployed in other sensitive areas apart form Puttur while 31 mobile sectors were also put into service.
The SP also claimed that he police were able to take control over the situation within half an hour after the clashes.
Asked about the cause of the clash, the SP said investigations are on. To a question on the banner of Sadhvi Pragna in Puttur put up by the Hindu Jagarana Vedike, the SP said the local administration was asked to remove it but of no avail. He also stated that the Police Department was not empowered to remove the banner.