Shivamogga: It was only a day after the Hindu activists were booked for allegedly damaging a four-wheeler belonging to a Muslim, the police have arrested three persons on charges of attacking a youth and abusing another person in Old Shivamogga on Monday night.
District Police Superintendent Mr. Mithun Kumar GK IPS on learning about the incident rushed to the trouble-torn area of Seegehatti in Shivamogga and strengthened security in the area.
Mr. Mithun said on Tuesday evening that the arrested – Market Fouzan, Azhar and Faraz, were facing between three and five cases. They were among the five youths who went to communally sensitive Seegehatti in Shivamogga on two bikes at around 11pm and passed comments against a person identified as Praveen. Later, they rode to Bharamappa Nagar and abused Prakash, a blacksmith, and hit him with a brick, the SP said.
The three persons told police that Praveen and Prakash had allegedly spoken ill of Market Fouzan a few days ago and the attack was in retaliation of that incident. Prakash, 25, was returning home with his brother when he was attacked by masked youths. The group allegedly warned the family members of slain Hindu activist Harsha before speeding away.
Prakash denied being associated with any organization. His mother Radha said the incident took place near their house. She rushed out of the house on hearing her son’s cries for help and non-stop knocking of the main door. Former minister and Shivamogga MLA Mr. KS Eshwarappa alleged that the banned PFI was behind the attack.
