Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai denied allegation that innocent persons were arrested by the police in Hubballi. “No innocent person has been arrested in connection with the violence in Hubballi,” he told journalists on April 19.
He told mediapersons in Shivamogga that the government had arrested hundreds of people involved in the violence in Hubballi based on video clips and other evidence. The police would look into the conspiracy behind the incident and those involved in the crime.
“With regard to similar incidents in DJ Halli and KG Halli in Bengaluru, the government has taken strict action. As per court orders, the government has appointed a recovery commissioner to recover the properties of those engaged in stone-pelting. The government will take action against rioters in Hubballi as per the law,” he said responding to a question if the government would demolish properties of rioters as it was done in other States.
Answering a question on the Panchamasali Lingayat community’s demand for quota under category 2A, the CM said the State Backward Classes Commission is looking into the issue. The commission had been visiting districts and collecting opinions. The commission would submit its report, he said
Earlier in the day, speaking to mediapersons at Menase near Sringeri in Chikkamagaluru district, he said that the State Government has taken tough action with regard to all crime incidents reported in Karnataka. The police registered an FIR soon after Santosh K. Patil, a civil contractor, was found dead in Udupi. With regard to the Hubballi incident or the incidents in Shivamogga, the police had taken tough action.
“Even with regard to alleged irregularities in the PSI recruitment, we have taken action. Similarly, in case of the damage caused to a fruit shop, we have taken action. We have not been soft on anyone,” he said in response to comments that the CM should be tough while handling crime.
Mr. Bommai was in Chikkamagaluru district for the first time after taking charge as CM.
He visited the Sharada Peeta in Sringeri and met the seers.
He took part in the Mahakumbhabhisheka at Sri Sharada Lakshminrusimha Peeta in Hariharapura in Koppa taluk. The celebrations had begun on April 10.
Lauding the activities of the mutt, the CM said he took part in the event not as the Chief Minister, but as a devotee. He said that religious institutions and seers have a major role in ensuring peace in society and spreading the importance of co-existence.
“I am happy to know about the activities of Swayamprakash Sachchidananda Saraswathi of the mutt. He has been spreading the message of the importance of unity,” he said.
Defining devotion as the supreme form of love, the Chief Minister said a true devotee need not pray to god for his blessings. He would always have the almighty’s blessings. And, he would know the welfare of the world was more important than his self-interest.
Mutt seer Swayamprakash Sachchidananda Saraswathi, political secretary to CM D.N. Jeevaraj, MLA T.D. Raje Gowda, Deputy Commissioner K.N. Ramesh, Superintendent of Police Akshay M. Hakay and others were present.
