The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Policemen pay for `acting with restraint'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 14, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Policemen pay for `acting with restraint'

Special Correspondent

Situation expected to return to normal today; no need to deploy Central forces or Army, says Chief Minister

Bangalore: The violence that occurred in Bangalore on Thursday, something that has not been seen for at least a decade, can be largely attributed to the directive issued to the police to "act with restraint." Policemen equipped with cane shields running for cover was not an uncommon sight all along the route of the funeral procession of the popular actor Rajkumar.

Police sources pointed out that the violence was "localised," and it was the result of youths who were unable to view the body of the actor giving vent to their anger.

It was a common sight in many of the disturbed areas of Bangalore to see policemen running for cover. Youths were seen moving about in autorickshaws, carrying bags of stones.

Bus with policemen attacked

At Siddalingaiah Circle where a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus carrying well-armed personnel of the reserve police was attacked by an irate mob. The mob pelted the bus with stones and the policemen were forced to jump out of the bus and run for cover.

The primary target of the anti-social elements seemed to be the police.

Sources in the Chief Minister's Secretariat said that Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, who holds the Home portfolio, was in constant touch with the top officials of the Bangalore police. The police were categorically told to exhibit restraint since there was also the fear that the violence here could spark violence in the districts of the State.

Violence deplored

The Chief Minister said he expected the situation in Bangalore to return to normal on Friday and that he did not see the need for deploying the Army or Central police forces.

Speaking to presspersons, here on Thursday, Mr. Kumaraswamy deplored the violence that marred the funeral of Dr. Rajkumar. It was the handiwork of miscreants, and he would speak about it later, he said.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said the police were hamstrung by the lack of reserve forces, which had been sent to Tamil Nadu and Kerala in connection with the coming Assembly elections in those States.

Also, a large number of policemen had been sent to the northern districts in view of the BJP's Bharat Suraksha Yatra (which has been cancelled). There was difficulty in mobilising forces in Bangalore on Wednesday and Thursday, he said.

The Chief Minister thanked the family of Dr. Rajkumar for cooperating with the authorities with regard to the keeping the body for public viewing and the funeral.

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