NIA takes over Bengaluru violence investigation; claims Muzamil Pasha “instigated the mob"

Bengaluru, September 23: In pursuance of the Ministry of Home Affairs order, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the investigation of the Bengaluru violence. It registered two cases under various sections of Indian penal one each at DJ Halli and Kadugodanahalli (KG Halli) police stations.

 

 

The cases were registered under various sections of IPC, Prevention of Damage of Public Property Act, and Karnataka Prevention of Destruction and Loss of Property Act. This comes after, Bengaluru state police invoked the 'Unlawful activities act after large scale violence had been broken out in DJ Halli and KG Halli areas in Bengaluru city on the night of 11 Agust.

 

 

According to the NIA, "This massive outrage sparked after Congress MLA Akhanda Srinivas Murth's nephew Naveen posted a post on social media about Prophet Mohammed which was insulting the religious sentiments of the Muslims." After which more than 1000 people gathered in front of the house of Congress MLA Shri Naveen Srinivas Murthy (Pulakeshi Nagar constituency) at Kavalbyrasandra, Bengaluru City, and vandalised the Congress MLA's house.

 

Following which another group of people also gathered outside two police stations namely D J Halli PS and KG Halli PS and vandalized the property of police stations including Government and private vehicles parked in the Police Stations. They set the property on fire by throwing petrol bombs. At least three people died including Police Commissioner Kamal Pant and 60 police personnel were injured during the violent clash and over 300 vehicles were burnt in the violence.

 

 

Following the incident, more than 300 accused were arrested in connection to the violence and rioting after at least 52 FIRs were filed in police stations surrounding the areas. This includes Naveen and Kaleem Pasha, the husband of Congress corporator Irshad Begum. On August 17, Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa announced that the state government would assess the damages caused to public and private property and recover the costs from the culprits.

 

Moreover, NIA took Muzamil Pasha and has alleged that "the State Secretary of SDPI, Muzamil Pasha had earlier called a meeting and directed the members of PFI/SDPI to instigate the mob and incite violence. The mob went on a rampage in DJ Halli, KG Halli, and Pulakeshi Nagar area under Bengaluru City."NIA team headed by an IG-rank officer is currently camping in Bengaluru in connection with these cases.