Gowda for probe into communal clash

Former prime minister and national president of the Janata Dal (Secular) H D Deve Gowda on Wednesday sought an impartial probe into the recent communal clashes in Chikmagalur.

Deve Gowda, who visited Chikmagalur on Tuesday said it was evident that the communal clash was on account of the interference by Bajrang Dal activists. He alleged that every time elections approach, Bajrang Dal becomes active in select districts.

Even the use of excessive force by the local police was evident with the victims being hurt on their heads, he added.

“When a lathi charge is ordered, it is basically to ensure that the crowd is dispersed. However, in this case, there was a deliberate use of force by hitting the victims on their head. I was even told that one inspector, Rakesh, pulled a gun on a victim,” he said.

He appealed to the government to dismiss the inspector. Despite the Home Minister belonging to a minority community, there have been no proper efforts to book the culprits, he said.