Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapur, Dec 4: Once again, tense atmosphere prevailed in Gangolli on the night of Wednesday December 3, as the police arrested a Hindu Jagarana Vedike (HJV) leader in connection with the fire incident at Jamiya complex and produced him in the court amid protests from hundreds of his supporters.
Following the fire incident at Jamiya complex on Friday November 28, the shops owners in the complex had filed a complaint in Gangolli police station naming 13 persons. On Wednesday, the Muslim community rose in protest against the police for not arresting anyone in connection to the case.
The same evening, the police arrested Vasu Devadiga, said to be an HJV leader, and produced him in court.
As soon as the news of Vasu's arrest became known, hundreds of his supporters gathered in front of the Gangolli police station and demanded his release. Even as ASP Annamalai who was at the spot appealed to the protestors to respect the law and maintain peace, arguments arose between BJP Byndoor unit secretary Sadananda Uppinakudru and the police.
When the situation threatened to go out of hand, the police tried to take further steps to control the crowd. Fearing police action, the protestors rushed to the nearby Annappaiah hall and started shouting slogans against ASP Annamalai.
Addressing the people gathered there, Sadananda Uppinakudru claimed to have been assaulted by the ASP and alleged that the police had arrested an innocent person owing to pressure from some quarters. "When we pointed out that it was wrong to arrest an innocent person and urged for his release, the ASP assaulted me and threatened to shoot and throw me away if I did not leave the spot. An injustice has been done to the entire Hindu community by arresting a person who has done no wrong. We will hold a protest against this in Gangolli on Thursday December 4," he said.
However, when media persons questioned ASP Annamalai about Sadananda's claims of assault, he said no such thing happened. "Law is same for all, whether it is police or common people, everyone must abide by it. We have initiated an impartial investigation into the case. I am here on the orders of the IGP. My only duty is to maintain peace and order. I did not assault anyone," he said.
When asked about the protest planned in Gangolli on Thursday, the ASP said it is the right of the citizens to protest, but it should be done peacefully. "If any harm is done during the protest, action would be taken against those responsible," he added.
BJP Byndoor unit president B M Sukumar Shetty arrived at the spot and managed to calm down the protestors. He later visited the police station and held discussions with the officials. Speaking to reporters later, he said, "There is no need to politicize the issue. An impartial probe should be done and the guilty punished. But arresting innocents and punishing them is not right."