Incidents of arson were reported in the city on Thursday night. Three motorcycles and a car were torched. Miscreants set ablaze a car parked outside a house at Manjunatha Extension, two motorbikes at Ashok Nagar and another bike at Tipu Nagar. Separate cases have been registered at the Tunga Nagar police station in this connection.
It may be recalled that the city witnessed violence following a rally taken out by the Popular Front of India on February 19. Meanwhile, security has been stepped up in the city in view of Holi that will be celebrated here on Saturday. More than 2,000 policemen, including a platoon of the Rapid Action Force, have been deployed in the city. Security personnel conducted a flag march at Gandhi Bazaar, M.K.K. Road, R.M.L. Nagar, and other sensitive areas here on Friday.
The police have granted permission for Holi celebration from 6 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The district administration has declared holiday for schools and colleges. Commercial establishments and liquor shops will remain closed. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code will be in force in the city limits from 1 p.m. of Saturday till 6 a.m. of Sunday.
