Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network - Bhatkal (SP)
Bhatkal, Sep 18: The police here have arrested seven persons in connection with the stone pelting incident on the municipal office here during protest programme held by BJP against the eviction of shopkeepers from municipal complex.
Some of the arrested persons happen to be Ishwar Durgappa Naik (32), Mastappa Durgappa Naik from Hanuman Nagar, Shankar Venkataramana Naik (42), Rajesh Nagappa Naik from Asarakeri, and Dayanand Madeva Devadiga from Jodgimana Mundalli.
All the seven were produced in the court. They have been charged under sections 143, 147, 148, 427 and 149 of Indian Penal Code. The police have viewed the incidents of stoning the municipal office, attack on staff there and threatening them seriously. On the basis of video recording of the protest programme and stone pelting incident, the police have begun the task of identifying the culprits. They have also warned of taking stern legal steps if violence or inciting incidents happen again. A case has been registered in the town police station here. Investigation is progressing.
Police personnel were waiting near the hotel where press conference was organized by BJP in connection with the Thursday incident, on Sunday evening, smelling the possibility of at least some of the accused attending it. But BJP leaders who had taken part in the protest stayed away from the press conference for the fear of getting arrested.