'Conspiracy behind clash in Hassan'

Animal Husbandry and Sericulture Minister A Manju on Sunday suspected a conspiracy behind the recent clash during Tipu Jayanti celebrations in the city.

Addressing media persons here, Manju, who is also the district in-charge minister, appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony. The minister alleged that some organisations had taken out a motorbike rally that indeed provoked the clash.

He claimed that as soon as he received information about their plans to disturb peace, he had alerted the police, who acted swiftly by arresting Sri Rama Sene leader Pramod Muthalik and sent him to Ballari jail.

All details, including where the perpetrators had bought petrol, have been collected and stern action would be taken against the guilty, he said.

Reacting to the allegations made by BJP leader Navile Annappa that he had misused power by influencing the release of a suspect from the police custody in relation to the clash, the minister asked Annappa to speak responsibly on such issues. “I am ready to clarify, if the leader provides suitable evidences,” Manju dared Annappa Celebrating Tipu Jayanti was a government decision and it was the duty of everyone to honour it. Tipu had fought against the British and is a true patriot, Manju added.

Sand issue
Speaking about unabated illegal sand mining in the district, Manju said, he has held discussions with the authorities concerned to ease the situation. A block would be allotted for each taluk and sand will be distributed from the yard not directly from the sand extraction spot. Sand would be lifted once the rain recedes, he added.

Hasanamba
On the recent commotion at the Hasanamba temple, where revenue officials and policemen had heated argument, the minister said a meeting would be held to resolve the issue.