Biker stabbed to death; shops pelted with stones

 Miscreants travelling in a car fatally stabbed a two-wheeler rider near Manihalla in Bantwal taluk on Thursday night in what appears to be a fresh bout of violence over Tipu Sultan Jayanti.

The victim, Harish, was rushed to hospital but he died later. Sameer, who was riding pillion on the bike, also suffered stab injuries, but is said to be recovering.

In the evening, volunteers of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) staged a protest, accusing the police of framing innocent people in connection with group clashes over the celebration of Tipu’s birth anniversary. A speaker at the protest is said to have used certain objectionable words, prompting some people to throw stones at the agitators. This resulted in a group clash until the police caned the protesters and brought the situation under control.

Bantwal Tahsildar Purandar Hegde said he hadn’t given permission to any organisation to stage protest, as per the deputy commissioner’s order. He also said he was unaware about the SDPI’s protest. It’s unclear if the fatal stabbing of Harish is related to the ongoing protests.

Tension prevailed for some time when miscreants started throwing stones at shops at BC Road, Kaikamba and Shanthi Angadi. Bantwal Police Circle Inspector, K U Belliappa, also suffered a stone injury.

IGP (Western Range) Amrit Paul and Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police, Dr Sharanappa S D, rushed to the spot and warned those circulating provocative messages and rumours on WhatsApp and other social media.
Further investigation is going on.