Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 20: Karnataka state home minister Basavaraj Bommai has suspected the role of 'Outside Mangalureans' in yesterday's protests that turned violent and resulted in the death of two men. Speaking to media in Bengaluru, Bommai said, “Police had to take guns in hand due to extremely serious situation. They tried their best to see that peaceful protest was held, but when stone pelting began, police had no other choice than retaliate.”

Meantime, this morning, more than 50 people who arrived from Kerala by train were arrested by police. Some of them claimed to be journalists. National TV visuals showed police checking the credentials of TV channel reporters in Mangaluru. It is learned that a few of the arrested are genuine journalists who work for Kerala TV channels and had arrived for reporting.

Basavaraj Bommai

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Kerala DGP Lokanath Behera have urged Mangaluru police to release the journalists if they have not indulged in any illegal activities.

Meantime, in Mangaluru city, police are screening everyone entering the city, specially car and two-wheelers. Daijiworld captured some pictures where police attacked two-wheeler riders who tried to roam in the city without wearing helmets.

City police commissioner Dr P S Harsha who is himself leading the entire police team, stepped onto the ground to oversee each and every move within the city.

However, many NRI Mangalureans who have scheduled Christmas holidays in Mangaluru have been calling Daijiworld office to know the situation. Police sources said that there is no problem for genuine passengers who travel by air, rail or road. Strict action is only for miscreants. "No one should cancel or postpone holidays. Mangaluru is under control. Police will support genuine people," said a police source close to Daijiworld.