The Hindu

Says anti-social elements instigated to cause mayhem 

• Fans not responsible for the violence, he affirms
• Cabinet to discuss payment of compensation to victims

Bangalore, Apr 15: Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy has alleged that the orgy of violence in Bangalore in the aftermath of Kannada thespian Rajkumar's death had been incited. He has rejected allegations that the Government failed to deal with the violence.

The chief minister held a meeting with the police top brass here on Friday April 14 morning, and reviewed the situation in the city. He told presspersons that Dr Rajkumar's fans were not responsible for the violence and that anti-social elements incited by others were responsible.

563 arrested

Confirming that eight persons had been killed, the chief minister said 235 persons, including 174 policemen, were injured in the violence. So far, 563 persons, who indulged in violence, had been arrested, he said.

The mayhem in Bangalore could not be regarded as a black spot on the image of the Government. "There are several things I know, which I do not want to discuss in public," he said and refused to identify the forces responsible for inciting the violence. The Government had identified those who encouraged miscreants to run amuck.

Officials taken to task

Kumaraswamy took the senior police officials to task and said the situation would not have taken the turn it did had the police been firm.

If the police had taken precautionary steps, violence would not have erupted on such a large scale, he said.

However, the chief minister refuted charges that the police were not prepared to handle the situation at the Kanteerava Studio where the funeral of Dr Rajkumar took place.

"It is easy to level allegations, but people on the job know the difficulties," he said.