Bengaluru violence: SDPI member arrested for allegedly inciting riot, K'taka CM warns strict action against perpetrators

After the violent mob descended upon the streets of Bengaluru, attacking the residence of a Congress MLA, and police stations in KG Halli area, DJ Halli over a derogatory social media post, Bengaluru Police arrested a local SDPI leader Muzammil Pasha in connection with the riots, Sources stated on Wednesday.

According to the sources, the Bengaluru Police have arrested Muzzamil Pasha, who is a political activist belonging to the Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI). The accused had also BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) election in the past from Sagayapura ward unsuccessfully.

Apart from him, another SDPI activist Ayaz is under police scanner for inciting the rioters to vandalise two police stations at DJ Halli and KG Halli area in East Bengaluru.

Special police teams are combing the area.

The sources quoted the police as saying that the riots are pre-planned and the law enforcement agencies are investigating all angles.

"I think it was a planned riot. Within an hour of a post on social media thousands of people gathered & damaged 200-300 vehicles & MLA's residence. We'll take serious action. It was an organised incident. SDPI is behind it," Karnataka Minister CT Ravi said.

Angry mobs attacked the house of Pulakeshinagar MLA Akhanda Srinivas, and in DJ Halli and KG Halli police station areas of Bengaluru. 

Reportedly, the MLA was not at his residence when the mob clashed with the police there.

The protesters claimed that relative of the Congress MLA from Pulakeshinagar allegedly put up an inciting social media post about the Prophet. Reportedly, the aggrieved went to the police station to file an FIR against the said person, but the attitude of the police angered them, and violence ensued thereafter.

The Police Commissioner told the media that CrPC Section 144 has been imposed in the city, and a curfew has been imposed DJ Halli and KG Halli police station limits. Moreover, he said that the accused Naveen has been arrested for the Facebook post.

CCTV footage has also been recovered which showed a person distributing money to rioters ahead of the violence.

Meanwhile, GN Shivamurthy, Deputy Commissioner, Bengaluru Urban, visited the DJ Halli Police Station that was vandalised last night.

"The incident that took place last night is very unfortunate. A lot of damage has been caused to public property. I appeal to all the people of the city not to be provoked or disturbed by this incident," GN Shivamurthy, Deputy Commissioner, Bengaluru Urban said.

Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa stated that strict action will be taken against the perpetrators.

"Directives issued against perpetrators and govt has taken all possible steps to curb the situation. Attack on journalists, Police, and public is unacceptable. Govt won't tolerate such provocations and rumours. Strict action against perpetrators is certain," Karnataka Chief Minister said.

"The attack on journalists, the police and the public in the riot last night was unacceptable. The government will not tolerate such provocations and rumours. Strict action against perpetrators is certain. I appeal to people to maintain peace and act with restraint and without panic," added CM Yediyurappa.

Three people died after the police fired on the angry mob who attacked the Cong MLA's residence. Around 150 people have been arrested in connection with the incident.