Mayhem marks last rites of gentle star

Mayhem marks last rites of gentle star
Deccan Herald

Bangalore witnessed widespread violence on Thursday as eight persons, including a police constable, were killed when frenzied mobs resorted to stone-throwing and arson during the funeral procession of Rajkumar.....

Bangalore witnessed widespread violence on Thursday as eight persons, including a police constable, were killed when frenzied mobs resorted to stone-throwing and arson during the funeral procession of Rajkumar.

All along the procession route, the mob assaulted police personnel who were trying to discipline the crowd, in vain. The mobs unleashed riots across the City, which had already gone into mourning by downing shutters from Wednesday evening.

While scores of Raj fans were denied a last glimpse of their hero, many anti-social elements terrorised the streets by pelting stones and setting vehicles on fire. The mob outnumbered the policemen despite the fact that the entire police force of the City was on duty. The government could not reinforce additional police force from the neighbouring districts as a major chunk of the force are on election duty in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

While three persons were killed near Kanteerava Studio, two were killed near Kanteerava Stadium and three others were killed elsewhere in the City. As the procession route was changed often, mobs vented their anger by clashing with the police.

One person was killed when police opened fire on the miscreants who hurled stones from Ring Road adjoining the Studio, while two others were killed when police opened fire to disperse a mob which indulged in arson and stone-throwing in front of the studio. Five others were killed in separate incidents.

The victims–Manjunath Malladi (24), a KSRP police constable, was beaten to death near Kanteerava Studio, while Muniraju (43) and Gopal (24), a scooter mechanic were killed near the stadium. Janardhan (35), Sailesh Kumar (30) and Yeshwanth (30) were killed in separate incidents elsewhere. The identity of two others is yet to be ascertained.

As emotions ran high among the fans, police had a tough time controlling them and resorted to caning and lobbing teargas shells. They opened 30 rounds of fire in the air and later opened fire at the crowd to bring the situation under control. Frenzied fans broke through the police barricades and stormed the venue of the funeral as the last rites were performed.

Miscreants hurled stones at the funeral venue, injuring some film stars, Raj’s relatives and policemen. Several people, including policemen, sustained injuries in stone-pelting incidents.

The entire route from where Rajkumar’s body was taken in a procession from Kanteerava Stadium to Kanteerva Studio near Mahalakshmi Layout resembled a battlefield. At least hundred policemen were injured and hospitalised by the time the body reached Kanteerva Studio.

Several shops, offices, petrol bunks and vehicles were vandalised and property worth several lakhs was destroyed. Nearly 27 vehicles, including five buses were set on fire. Three petrol bunks — near Kanteerva Studio, Yeshwantpur and Cauvery Theatre junction — were set ablaze.

Three police vans were set on fire near the indoor stadium when the funeral procession started at around 12.30 pm. Mobs pelted stones at Yeshwanthpura Police Station and set a private car on fire. The mob also set afire the vehicle of Deputy Commissioner of Police (CAR-North) parked in front of the police station. BMTC buses parked in the Yeshwanthpura bus stand were also not spared.

Tension prevailed in Yeshwanthpura Circle for more than twenty minutes. More than 15 policemen were injured in the attack in that area. Yeshwanthpur police inspector Sampathkumar and assistant police inspector (traffic) Puttamadaiah were injured.

A convoy of four buses carrying around 300 constables (training) was attacked near Siddalingiah Circle near Kanteerava Stadium on Thursday.

Basavaraj, one of the constables who was injured, explained: “With only lathis, we were unable to do anything. Some were attacked with iron rods and wooden logs.”

Manjunath Malladi (24), who died in the incident was the last one to get out of his bus. He was caught and hit badly. With a severe head injury, he was rushed to Mallige Hospital.

ADGP (Training) S T Ramesh said, “All the trainee constables were on duty. We don’t have transport and we hire KSRTC buses. The real culprit is the bus driver. When he runs away for life, leaving the policemen, what will they do?” he asked.

CARNAGE TRAIL

*8 people, including a police constable, killed

*Of the 8, two killed near Kanteerava Stadium; three killed near Kanteerava Studio and three others in other incidents.

*Victims are — Manjunath Malladi (24), KSRP police constable, a native of Belgaum; Muniraju (43), Gopal (24); a scooter mechanic, Janardhan(35), Sailesh Kumar(30), Yeshwanth(30), two are yet to be identified

*Over 100 policemen injured.

n27 vehicles including 15 trucks, 3 police vans, 1 car of a police officer, 1 fire force vehicle torched

nThree petrol bunks - Nandini Layout, Yeshwanthpura and near Cauvery Theatre set on fire.

MOB VIOLENCE

CM may order

inquiry

Bangalore, dhns: Chief Minister H D Kumaara- swamy on Thursday said that the government would examine the need for an inquiry into the involvement of anti-socials in instigating violence after Rajkumar’s death.