Update: Saturday, Jan 20, 1-30 pm
Bangalore: Normalcy Returns - Situation under Control
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (MB)
Inputs and exclusive pics from Patrick D'Souza
Bangalore, Jan 20: A rally organized by People's Front protesting against the execution of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein took a violent turn witnessing ransacking of shops, whose owners reportedly refused to down the shutters on Friday evening.
Informed sources said that the police had to fire 10 rounds in the air to disperse the unruly crowds. Section no. 144 has been clamped in the jurisdiction of Bharatinagar, Shivajinagar and Commercial street.
About 50 police, including 20 policemen, are said to have been injured in the disturbances. Aboout 25 two-wheelers, ten cars, fifteen shops and two houses have been charred in the incidents of arson. Over a hundred shops and vehicles have been heavily damaged.
A meeting had been convened on Bharatinagar ground in protest against the execution of Saddam Hussein, which was addressed by former union ministers C M Ibrahim and C K Jaffer Sharief and also by legislator Roshan Baig. Later on, more people are said to have converged from different places and the crowds turned violent, the police said.
Now the situation is under control. Schools and colleges were closed down in the safety of students.
EARLIER REPORT
Friday, January 19
9-45 pm
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Inputs from Patrick D'Souza
Bangalore, Jan 19: Certain areas of the city like Shivajinagar, Ulsoor, Kamaraj Road (former Cavalry Road) and others after a rally organized by former union railway minister C K Jaffar Sharief turned violent by ransacking shops.
The rally was meant to express outrage over the execution of former Iraqi supremo Saddam Hussein. Unconfirmed reports said that leaders of another community gathered elsewhere where provocative speeches were delivered.
The pro-Saddam rallyists were forcing shop-keepers to down the shutters which was resisted, which was followed by ransacking.
More details are awaited.