Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Jan 21: The police have registered 35 cases in connection to the communal clashes that erupted at Karaya on January 16 and the torching of shops at Uppinangady, said Dakshina Kannada SP Dr Sharanappa in a media release.
So far, 26 persons have been arrested. Under the instruction of superintendent of police, three police teams have been formed to apprehend the culprits and four were arrested on Tuesday January 20 and produced in court. Many of the accused who are absconding have been identified and will be arrested soon, the SP said.
There was a call for Uppinangady bandh on January 21 but the bandh has been called off after a peace meet was held. Religious leaders from both the communities participated in the meet with the SP and other police officers. General public have been told not to listen to any rumours relating to the unrest and bandh.
The SP also dismissed reports about three persons attempting to torch a place of worship and said, "A phone call was received at Uppinangady police station that three youths with petrol cans in hand were spotted in Ilanthila, and that they were searching for a particular place of worship. But after investigations by the police, it was learnt that the youths were just searching for petrol after their bike ran out of petrol at Ilanthila. The youths were not involved in any wrong activities as alleged. The youths are the residents of Alankaru Nekre."
The police have requested not to pay heed to rumours being spread through social media. They have requested the general public to cooperate in maintaining peace.