Thousands of followers of the late Congress president, who was known as Tiger of Hulkoti, took to streets venting ire against the desecration.
The mob assaulted a photographer who attempted to take pictures of the incident. His camera was thrown into a burning bus.
The mob which marched to Gadag set three more buses on fire near Binkadakatte and threw stones at passing vehicles. The mob then targeted a four-wheeler of Regional Transport Department parked near the Travellers’ Bungalow and set traffic signals and a contractor’s car on fire.
Lensman attacked
The window panes of Hescom and PWD offices, SC/ST Hostel and Police guest house were smashed. Another photographer who attempted to take pictures was assaulted and stones were thrown at the police.
The protest spread to Chikkahandigola and Asundi villages as well where two buses were set afire. Shops and commercial establishments in Mulgund and Naka were stoned and eight buses bore the brunt of fury in Mulgund.
The Gadag City wore a deserted look as an undeclared bundh was observed. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC has been clamped till Sunday to pre-empt any violence. Meanwhile, the statue was cleansed and anointed with milk.
Superintendent of Police B S Prakash informed that 18 people including four of Sri Rama Sene have been arrested in connection with the arson. However, the State Convener of the Sene, Ravi Sidling has denied Sene’s role in the incident.
DH News Service
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