Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga (SP)

Shivamogga, Feb 23: The town, which was reeling under communal disturbances since Thursday, returned to normalcy on Sunday February 22.

The presence of about 2,500 police personnel in and around the town ensured that law order situation is not disturbed. Over 100 were taken into custody and questioned by the police relating to the disturbances.

There is information that a shop in Vinoba Nagar was set on fire by miscreants, burning a number of things inside the shop.

From Saturday, adviser to the state home minister and IPS officer, Kempaiah, who had in the past worked as the superintendent of police here, has taken over the task of managing the situation.

On Sunday, most of the shops were closed as usual. Some shops and establishments were open. Buses, auto rickshaws, and other vehicles moved about normally. Prohibitory orders continue to be in force.

Kempaiah and district in-charge minister, Kimmane Ratnakar, held discussions with senior police officials about ways and means to manage the situation and bring culprits to book. Kempaiah also held a harmony meeting between BJP and Muslim leaders with the participation of BJP leader, K S Eshwarappa, which was participated by Rajya member, Ayanur Manjunath, and MLC, Bhanuprakash too. Kempaiah said that a separate police team would be formed to bring to book those who had created
disturbances and then gone underground.

Former chief minister, B S Yeddyurappa, visited affected areas and consoled the victims of disturbances. ADGP, Kishore Chandra, said that over 100 people have been arrested relating to the disturbances and that policemen are pooling information about the incidents and expressed confidence of finding out the hooligans and taking legal action against them.