Daijiworld Media Network - Haveri (SP)

Haveri, Jan 10: A person who reportedly was infuriated at the denial of loan by the bank, torched Hediggonda branch of Canara bank in Byadagi taluk on Sunday January 9. The villagers who got wild at this act, thrashed their fellow villager before handing him over to the police.

The accused has been identified as Wasim Mulla (33) from Rattihalli village. He entered Canara Bank branch at Hediggonda located on the first floor of Hediggonda gram panchayat office, poured petrol on various things and then ignited fire. Computers, furniture, passbooks of the customers and several other items totally valued at Rs 16 lac were destroyed in the fire. Wasim, who had broken the rods of a window to enter the bank, was fleeing when he was caught by the villagers who bound him with a rope and beat him up. The accused was rescued by the police who admitted him into the hospital for
treatment.

There is no official word as to why Wasim got angry at the bank even though it is said that he told the police that he was angry at his loan application having been rejected. Bank manager Hiraman Naik, said he had recently joined the bank here and that he had never seen the person who started a fire in the bank so far.