Mysore, Karnataka – In the wake of a violent mob attack on the Udayagiri police station, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has strongly defended the police’s actions, asserting that they were “working properly” and “not at fault.” This stance comes amidst criticism from some quarters regarding the police’s handling of the situation.
The incident occurred on Monday night when a large group of people gathered outside the Udayagiri police station, allegedly incited by a provocative speech delivered by a local cleric, Mufti Mustak Makbuli. The mob, which included many young individuals, began pelting stones at the police station, injuring at least 14 officers and damaging several police vehicles.
The violence reportedly erupted after the police refused to hand over an individual who had been arrested for allegedly posting objectionable content on social media. The crowd demanded that the accused be handed over to them, and when their demand was rejected, they resorted to stone pelting and vandalism.
In response to the attack, the police used tear gas to disperse the mob. Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, and the police have launched a manhunt for the cleric who allegedly instigated the violence.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar visited the Udayagiri police station on Tuesday to assess the situation and interact with the injured police officers. Following his visit, he spoke to the media, expressing his full support for the police and their actions.
“The police were doing their duty,” Shivakumar said. “They were trying to maintain law and order. I am with the police, and I want to make it clear that the government will not tolerate such acts of violence.”
Shivakumar’s defense of the police comes amidst criticism from some quarters, including opposition leaders who have accused the police of mishandling the situation and failing to prevent the violence. However, Shivakumar has dismissed these criticisms, stating that the police acted appropriately under the circumstances.
“The police showed great restraint,” Shivakumar said. “They could have used more force, but they chose to use tear gas to disperse the crowd and avoid further injuries. I commend them for their professionalism and their commitment to maintaining law and order.”
Shivakumar also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and harmony in the state, urging people not to be swayed by rumors or provocative speeches. He assured that the government would take strict action against those responsible for the violence and those who attempt to disrupt peace and harmony.
The attack on the Udayagiri police station has sparked a heated debate about the state of law and order in Karnataka. Opposition leaders have accused the government of failing to maintain law and order, while the government has defended its actions and reiterated its commitment to protecting the safety and security of its citizens.
In the aftermath of the incident, security has been beefed up at the Udayagiri police station and other sensitive areas in the city. The police are also conducting a thorough investigation to identify all those involved in the violence and bring them to justice.
The incident has also raised concerns about the growing trend of mob violence in India. In recent years, there have been several instances of mob violence targeting individuals and groups, often fueled by rumors and misinformation spread through social media.
The government has been under pressure to address this issue and take steps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. While the government has taken some measures, such as increasing police presence in sensitive areas and launching awareness campaigns, more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of mob violence.
The incident at the Udayagiri police station serves as a reminder of the challenges that the government faces in maintaining law and order and protecting the safety and security of its citizens. It also highlights the need for greater awareness and education to counter the spread of rumors and misinformation that can incite violence.
As the investigation into the incident continues, it is crucial that the police conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry to identify all those responsible for the violence and bring them to justice. It is also important for the government to take steps to address the underlying issues that contribute to such incidents, such as poverty, inequality, and social divisions.
Only through a comprehensive and concerted effort can we hope to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and ensure that all citizens are safe and secure.