Mangaluru: Tension in Bengre as BJP workers returning from Amit Shah event clash with locals

Mangaluru, Feb 21: A mild tension prevailed in Bengre peninsula in Mangaluru as a group of BJP workers, who were returning after attending a fishermen’s convention organized by BJP in Udupi’s Malpe, clashed with local Muslim residents and allegedly pelted stones at some houses last night. BJP national president Amit Shah who was chief guest at the fishermen’s convention.

According to a report by local Kannada news portal, the BJP workers who were returning in buses thrashed two Muslim boys and pelted stones at houses belonging to Muslims at Kasba Bengre on Tuesday night. The report identified the injured boys as Ameen (16) and Safwan (16).

However, local police said that four people - identified as Rahul, Lokesh, Vipin and Aamir - suffered injuries in a clash between the BJP workers and local Muslim youths at Bengre. The injured were treated at a hospital.

It is learnt that five buses were arranged from Bengre to transport BJP workers to Amit Shah’s event in Malpe. The BJP workers were reportedly shouting provocative and anti-Muslim slogans when their bus reached Bengre. This led to a clash between local Muslim youth and the BJP workers, many of whom were reportedly drunk.

Police arrived on the spot and resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the mob. Panambur police have registered the case and are investigating.