Normalcy Returns to Shimoga

Shimoga, Mar 5 (DHNS): The riot-hit City was limping back to normalcy on Thursday. No untoward incidents were reported from any part of the City. 
 
The curfew will be relaxed from 7 am to 11.30 am on Friday, said  Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Pandey.

Holiday has been extended for educational institutions till further orders. The decision on lifting the curfew will be taken after assessing the situation on Friday, he said.

Police personnel numbering 2,000, which include eight platoons  of KSRP and one company of Rapid Action Force are  patrolling the City. Curfew was relaxed for a few hours in morning and evening on Thursday to enable the people to purchase provisions.

Cheques of Rs one lakh each were presented to the kin of Sadiq and Latif on Thursday who were killed in the recent riots. Of the 45 injured, 20 are still being treated at McGann Hospital including four who sustained bullet injuries.
Superintendent of Police Murughan said that 175 persons were arrested for indulging in rioting.

The process of identifying the victims in the video clippings available with police is on and the number of arrested may go up, he stated.

Damage to property in the incident is estimated to be Rs 8 crore. Administration so far has been able to assess damage up to Rs 4.5 crore, which include 12 auto rickshaw, 21 two wheelers, nine four wheelers and a truck, while 25 shops were looted and set ablaze.

Revenue officials are yet to visit the houses which were damaged and looted.

On resuming the transportation service, DC said that buses will ply to the City when the  curfew is relaxed. Bus and truck operators will be instructed to offer regular service once the tension is eased.