Bantwal: Tension Spreads - Arrests Made, Schools Closed after Lunch Hour
Pics: Karthik Studio
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)
Bantwal, Mar 10: The tension that was created on account of an incident in which stones and bottles were hurled at the car belonging to Surendra Bantwal, a local Hindu activist and photographer late night on Sunday March 8, spread to other parts of the town. When groups of people went round the town asking shopkeepers who were still operating, to down their shutters, some people resisted. Reportedly, two persons were assaulted because of their refusal to close their shops.
After heated words were exchanged between groups belonging to two communities, youth gathered there. Sensing that the situation was going out of control, the policemen wielded lathis and dispersed the crowd.
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A person named Mohammed Sadat, in a complaint to the policemen, said that during the forcible bundh enforced by groups of people on Monday morning, his chicken stall was damaged. He also said that Mohammed Shariff and Mohammed Shamim, working in the shop, had been manhandled by the crowd. In this connection, a case has been registered against Surendra Bantwal, Raja alias Rajesh, Nagu, Vasu, Vishwanath, Pushparaj and others.
Based on the earlier complaint by Surendra Bantwal, the police took into custody Ubaidulla, a leader of an organization. At around 7 pm on Monday, a crowd had gathered in front of the taluk office, demanding immediate release of Ubaidulla, but dispersed later. The policemen also have taken into custody Pravin and Padmanabh, accused of assaulting Mohammed Shamir and Anwar in Jakkibettu Agrahar in the town.
Because of the mounting tensions, schools remained closed in the afternoon. The policemen continue to maintain vigil at strategic points.
Earlier News: