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Author: Correspondent
Publication: Deccan Herald
Date: June 7, 2007
Several persons, including policemen, were injured in a clash between two communities over the burial of a body in Tumkur of Karnataka on 6 June 2007.
The police resorted to baton-charge and lobbed teargas shells to disperse the clashing mobs. Prohibitory orders were clamped in the city under Section 144 for three days.
According to sources, following the death of Guruvayya, a Dalit, on 6 June 2007 morning, his family members prepared to perform his last rites at the burial ground in Jayapur area.
However, when they arrived at the cremation ground, members belonging to another community obstructed them from performing the last rites, claiming they had purchased the land. This led to heated exchanges of words between the members of both the communities and snowballed into a clash.
Several people were injured in the melee. Police sub-inspector Veeranna and constable Mallesh who arrived at the spot were also injured. By the time more policemen rushed to the spot, the clash had taken an ugly turn, with members attacking each other with sticks and stones. Police and private vehicles were badly damaged in stone-pelting.
District Superintendent of Police P Harishekharan arrived with special squads. CEO of ZP Manojkumar Meena and GN Nayak tried to pacify the clashing groups but in vain. The police then resorted to baton-charge and lobbed teargas shells.
The situation came under control by the evening and a peace meeting was held with members of the two communities, police and other officials. After an agreement, the last rites of the deceased were performed at the Jayapur area. Rumours of gunshots were dispelled by the officials. Late in the night, several suspects were detained for questioning.
Tight security
Heavy police bandobast has been made in the area. IGP Jayaprakash is in Tumkur to supervise the security arrangements. Superintendent of Police P Harishekharan has appealed to the people to maintain peace and not to believe rumours.
Security has been beefed up in the city as a precautionary measure and another peace meeting would also be held, he said. Muslim leaders Syed Mujeeb and Syed Altaf have appealed to the people to maintain peace. "Hindus and Muslims should live like brothers and not fight," said Sericulture Minister Sogadu Shivanna said.
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