Date:25/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/25/stories/2008092560710400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Protest against police atrocities

Staff Reporter

CPI(M) seeks action against those responsible for police high-handedness

— Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

Raising slogans: Members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) staging a protest on Wednesday seeking action against those responsible for the recent communal clash and attacks on churches and prayer halls in Bangalore.

BANGALORE: The Communist Party of India (Marxists) activists on Wednesday staged a protest against the alleged high-handedness of the police during the Ganesha idol immersion at Gangondanahalli.

The activists accompanied by residents of Gangondanahalli, who were injured during the lathicharge, sat on dharna in front of the office of Director-General of Police here.

They alleged that the police used force unnecessarily on the residents, and sought action against the officials who were involved in the incident on Sunday.

A Communist Party of India (Marxist) office-bearer told The Hindu that a delegation of leaders were invited by senior police officials for a discussion following which it was decided to hold an interaction between the police officials and the victims of alleged police high handedness on Tuesday.

“We have been asked to furnish documents such as medical certificates and photographs of the injured persons before that face-to-face,” an office-bearer of the party said. Party leaders, including district secretary Prakash K., took part in the protest.

The situation at Gangondanahalli is under control. “The condition at the clash affected areas is peaceful and we are making all efforts to maintain peace and tranquillity,” B. Shivakumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Division), told The Hindu.

However, the police have continued tight security in the area.

All vehicles entering the area are being checked. Around 35 people have been arrested by the Chandra Layout police and cases have been registered in connection with the clashes which broke out on Sunday night and Monday morning.

It may be recalled that many people were injured in clashes at Gangondanahalli. Four policemen sustained minor injuries on Monday, when a group threw stones on them.