BJP rejects Oppn demand for judicial probe in Mysore incident

The BJP government today rejected opposition Congress' demand for a judicial probe into the communal clash that claimed three lives, even as the bandh call given by a Hindu outfit to protest the attack on a BJP youth wing leader evoked 'near total response'.

Tension remained in some areas in the wake of the clashes that claimed three lives and left more than half a dozen injured over alleged desecration of a Madrasa here on July 2.

"There is no need for it (judicial probe)," said home minister VS Acharya, who faced a brief protest from Hindu Jagaran Vedike activists. The activists alleged that there was no protection for Hindus in Mysore.

"Police have not resorted to firing. All precautionary measures are being taken to maintain law and order", Acharya told reporters after visiting the injured in hospitals.

He said more than 100 persons had been arrested in connection with the clashes.

All business establishments were closed owing to the bandh call and transportation was also hit.

Barring Mysore unit BJP youth wing leader Giridhar, who was stabbed by unidentified persons yesterday and is reported to be critical, others injured in a spate of similar attacks were recovering, he said.

A huge police contingent has been deployed at the private hospital, where Giridhar has been admitted, to control the crowd gathered to enquire about his condition.

The condition of Giridhar's friend Wajid, who was attacked along with him, is said to be better, according to police.

Police have intensified patrolling in the trouble-torn areas.