Mysuru: Saffron groups turn more violent after funeral; journos attacked

Mysuru, Mar 15: The activists of BJP and other saffron groups who began unleashing violence in Mysuru on Monday morning by forcefully imposing a day long bandh, turned more violent after the funeral of BJP worker Raju, who was hacked to death by unidentified miscreants.

When a large number of BJP?workers were returning from the burial ground in Kyathamaranahalli, some miscreants pelted stones at them, leading to a counter attack. The Police burst tear gas shells to control the mob. However, local residents accused that BJP workers themselves pelted stones on other BJP workers to create a reason for the riot.

A private TV?channel reporter was attacked with lethal weapons near the burial ground. He was rushed to a private hospital. Earlier during the day, a TV cameraman and some photo journalists were attacked by miscreants at K?R?Hospital.

Tension continued at Kyathamaranahalli, Udayagiri, N?R?Mohalla, Mandi Mohalla and neighbouring areas in the city. Security has been beefed up. When the body was being taken in a procession from K R Hospital to Kyathamaranahalli, tension prevailed at many locations and miscreants pelted stones at people accompanying the body.

The entire city bore the burnt of the bandh, which was called by BJP?and other extremist Hindutva groups. Except government offices and educational institutions, all commercial establishments, including banks, were closed for the day. In view of exams in schools and colleges, the agitators had assured the District Administration that students would not be disturbed.

But violence broke out as party workers forced shopkeepers to close businesses for the day and assaulted a few people.

The city bus stand, Sub-Urban bus station and tourist spots like Mysuru Zoo, Mysuru Palace witnessed few visitors. Even though long-route buses were plying, not many passengers were seen in the bus stand.

Earlier in the day, a group of youths assaulted shopkeepers in Mandi Mohalla and in K R?Market. Besides pelting stones at KSRTC?buses, the agitators set an autorickshaw and a motorbike afire on Shivaji Road in N?R?Mohalla. Another group ignited an autorickshaw at K?R??hospital. It is said that the auto driver had brought his father to the hospital for a health checkup.

BJP?workers, lead by former minister S?A?Ramdas, staged a protest against the Police department and the State government. The agitators blocked roads and set fire to used tyres. Pro-Hindu activists were seen forcing shopkeepers to down shutters. In K?R?Market, the activists attacked a shopkeeper. BJP?workers also attacked a few people near K?R?Hospital.

City buses remained off the roads from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm, said KSRTC authorities. Police Commissioner B Dayananda said, the murder case has been handed over to the City Crime Branch.

Also Read:

Mysuru: Illegal' madrasa claimed BJP worker's life, alleges MP Pratap Simha

Mysuru bandh: Violent BJP protesters violate Section 144, destroy properties

Tension grips Mysuru after murder of BJP worker; Bandh being imposed