Shivamogga: Home minister meets top cops day after clashes over Tipu-Savarkar banners

Shivamogga: Home minister Araga Jnanendra said nobody should take law into their own hands, adding there is nothing wrong in installing a poster of Savarkar who had fought for the country's freedom.

Karnataka home minister Araga Jnanendra held a meeting with the additional director general of police (law and order), Alok Kumar, and other senior police officials in Shivamogga a day after clashes broke out between two communities in the town over putting up banners of Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and 18th Century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan.

Home minister Araga Jnanendra visits Meggan hospital to enquire about the health of a man injured in the clash in Shivamogga on Tuesday. (ANI )

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC were imposed on Monday evening here after a group of Tipu Sultan followers tried to remove banners of Savarkar to install the late Mysuru ruler's banners.

Speaking to reporters, the home minister later said nobody should take law into their own hands, adding there is nothing wrong in installing a poster of Savarkar who had fought for the country's freedom.

“Nobody should take the law into their hands at any cost. What's wrong with installing a poster of Savarkar? He fought for the freedom of the country. So far, four people have been arrested.”

He further the government did not decide anything on the basis of religion. “Peace must prevail, we have to maintain law and order in the state. We'll hold a thorough investigation. No such events should happen here again” Jnanendra said.

The minister also visited the Meggan hospital to enquire about the health of a man injured in the clash in Shivamogga.

The ADGP said currently there's peace and police officers are patrolling the area. Prohibitions under Section 144 will remain imposed till Thursday. “Sale of liquor restricted in Bhadravati and Shivamogga. More than 1,000 of our police personnel have come here from other districts,” he added.

Police said a man, who was suspected to be involved in clashes in the district and had stabbed a person, was shot in the leg when he allegedly tried to attack the policemen who went to detain him on Tuesday.

Mohammed Zabi alias Charbi (30), a resident of Marnami Bailu in this district headquarters town, is recovering in a hospital after the incident, police said.

Earlier in the day, the ADGP told reporters that the stab victim came from Rajasthan and was an employee of a garment shop where the clashes broke out. The man was not involved in the clashes, but was stabbed by four people all of whom have been arrested.

The district administration had declared closure of schools and colleges in Bhadravati and Shivamogga towns in view of the tension.