2 youths killed in police firing after derogatory post shared by Congress MLA's kin in Bengaluru
Correspondent
NewsBits.in
BENGALURU: Two youths were killed while around 110 others were taken in custody after row over a derogatory post shared on Facebook by a legislator's kin in Bengaluru.
The incident occurred after a mob gathered at the residence of the legislator. Police used tear gas and later fired, resulting in the deaths. Locals said that the post was derogatory towards Prophet Muhammad and hurt the sentiments of the community.
Locals were angry after the post was shared by MLA's nephew. They gathered at the legislator's bungalow and damaged the vehicles apart from stone pelting and arson. Subsequently, police rushed to the spot.
This caused tension in the area. Two youths were killed in the police firing. Senior leaders appealed to the people to not take law in their hands and promised that FIR would be registered for the objectionable post. Meanwhile, the police have rounded up over 110 persons in connection with the stone pelting and arson.
The Facebook post was shared by Congress legislator Akhanda Shrinivasa Murthy's nephew, Naveen. It was the MLA's residence where the youths gathered to protest. Naveen has been arrested. Prohibitory sections were enforced and the police were on the alert at KG Halli and DJ Halli police stations. Senior officials were keeping an eye on the situation.
Earlier, locals had demanded action against the person for the objectionable post. It was claimed that police didn't take prompt action and could have got the objectionable post removed but there was delay in it. However, the situation later worsened and the police fired, which resulted in deaths.
UPDATE: The number of people who succumbed to injuries, rose to 3. Later, another youth in custody, died, and the figure went up to 4.