Mangaluru, Nov 12: Two days after Sangh Parivar activists unleashed violence in Madikeri during the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, unexpected communal violence erupted in BC Road and other parts of Bantwal taluk in Dakshina Kannada on Thursday.
A group of miscreants, who came in a car, attacked two friends belonging to different communities with lethal weapons at Manihalli near Batnwal and fled the spot. Harish Poojary, 28, a resident of Navuru village, collapsed and died after the attack. His friend Sameeullah, who tried to rescue him, was also stabbed. He was rushed to a hospital and his condition continues to be critical.
Attack on SDPI protesters
The trouble started when, a group of trouble-mongers, allegedly belonging to Sangh Parivar, pelted stones at the activists of Social Democrat Party of India, who staged a demonstration in front of taluk office in BC Road to register their protest against Madikeri violence.
It is learnt that the Sangh Parivar activists were enraged when one of the speakers at the protest criticized RSS and one of its local leaders.
A tense atmosphere prevailed in BC Road, Kaikamba and surrounding areas in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district following the clash that culminated in baton charge by the police.
Shopkeepers in BC Road observed self-imposed bandh after miscreants pelted stones at a few shops causing damages. Dozens of people suffered injuries during the stone-pelting and subsequent baton charge by the police.
According to eyewitness accounts, stones were thrown just after SDPI activist Haneef finished his speech. Stones were thrown from buildings behind the Tahsildar Office, eyewitnesses said. This resulted in the protesters running in the direction from where the stones were thrown.
Immediately, additional police force was deployed and the angry protesters were dispersed after baton charge.
Superintendent of Police Sharanappa S.D. and other police officers, who are camping at B.C. Road, have brought the situation under control.
The police have launched a search for those who threw stones at the protest meet. The police are verifying whether the attack on the motorcyclists was an isolated one or linked with the stone-throwing incident.
Murder
At 7.30 p.m. Harish and Samiulla were attacked by a group of persons who came in a car. Reports reaching here said that Harish and Samiulla, construction labourers, were returning after playing cricket. They had stopped their motorcycle at a shop and were having cool drinks. The unidentified persons attacked the two with sharp objects and fled the spot. Harish died while being brought to hospital. Samiulla has been admitted to a private hospital in Mangaluru. More details are awaited.
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