Late night on Tuesday, a mob, mostly with Muslims in majority, gathered outside the residence of Congress legislator in northeast Bengaluru, pelted stones at his residence and set vehicles ablaze, allegedly in a protest against a derogatory social media post shared by the MLA’s relative.
The incident took place at Kaval Byrasandra in Bengaluru, outside Pulkeshinagar Congress MLA R Akhanda Srinivas Murthy’s house
The mod alleged that the post the MLA’s relative shared was offensive to Islam and its beliefs. Post the incident, people also gathered outside DJ Halli police station chanting to file an FIR against the MLA’s relative.
Srinivas Murthy was reportedly not present at home when the incident took place. Minutes later, the legislator shared a video on social media, requesting people to maintain peace and harmony.
“I’m making a request to my Muslim brethren. There is no need to be violent. I will ensure that proper legal action is initiated against the perpetrators. I request you to maintain peace and harmony and I will be with you for this,” he said.
The mob vandalised public property that has irked Karnataka’s home minister Basavaraj Bommai. He a statement he said that said strict action would be taken against the guilty.
“We will investigate the matter thoroughly, whatever the situation is. However, indulging in vandalism is not the solution. Additional forces have been deployed and the cops have been given a free hand to handle the situation,” he said.
Mufti PM Muzammil of Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind, a religious leader, requested the protesters, to refrain from violence. “The FIR has been lodged and the police will arrest him (the perpetrator) tomorrow. He will be punished. It is my request that all of you should keep your emotions under control,” he said.
