Date:26/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/26/stories/2005122617540300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Ten persons injured as JD(S) protest turns violent

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: As many as 10 persons, including eight police personnel, were injured at Pattadahalli in Chintamani taluk, Kolar district, on Sunday. Hundreds of Janata Dal (Secular) workers staged protests across the district on Sunday, alleging that the police had supported the Congress in the recent panchayat elections.

The protest turned violent in Pattadahalli, when the workers started throwing stones at the police station. Eight police personnel, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Ramachandrappa, Sub- Inspector Khalandar and Assistant Sub-Inspector Rashid, were injured.

The police resorted to lathicharge and burst teargas shells. But this could not contain the unruly mob.

They fired 15 rounds in the air, sources said.

The situation in the village is tense. But the police said it is well under control. Prohibitory orders have been clamped on the village.

The two civilians who were injured have been identified as Manjunath and Baba Jan. All the injured have been admitted to hospitals in Chintamani and Kolar.

The former Minister, Krishna Reddy, began a dharna in front of Chintamani police station in the evening, in protest against "police high-handedness." Senior leaders of Janata Dal (Secular) are expected to visit the area on Monday.