Bengaluru, Sep 13 (UNI) Janata Dal (Secular) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Friday condemned the Karnataka government’s handling of the recent clashes in Nagamangala town during a Ganesh idol immersion procession, alleging that the violence appeared premeditated.
The unrest in Nagamangala, which involved a confrontation between two groups, quickly escalated into chaos as mobs targeted shops and vehicles.
Kumaraswamy questioned the lack of timely police action, asking, "Where were the police? Where was the Circle Inspector? Where was the Deputy SP?"
Kumaraswamy also highlighted discrepancies in the police investigation, questioning how details about suspects were known so soon after the incident.
He accused the government of misleading the public and acting against innocent individuals, stating, "How did a police officer in the hospital know the names of those involved at 1.30 am? This is a false, sponsored programme by the government."
He criticised the Home Minister for downplaying the incident, stating, "What did the Home Minister say? He called it a small incident. What kind of message are you sending with such a statement?"
Home Minister G Parameshwara announced an inquiry and the suspension of the involved inspector.
He attributed the clashes to a change in the pre-approved procession route and dismissed demands for a probe by the National Investigating Agency from the BJP, asserting, "We take this incident seriously."
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