AThe police have launched a massive manhunt for the unidentified men who broke into the residence of Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy and set fire to two cars around 1.25 a.m. on Thursday.
Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, after visiting Mr. Reddy at his residence, said strict action would be taken against the arsonists, and announced that three special teams had been set up to track them down.
“We have the best police teams on the job and I am confident that the case will be cracked soon,” Mr. Jnanendra said. At the time of going to press, the police had detained a few suspects for questioning and taken two into custody.
“We have obtained CCTV camera footage from in and around the area. The initial probe revealed that there were three accused involved in the incident. They came on bikes, purchased petrol from a bunk nearby and then headed to Mr. Reddy’s house,” a police officer said.
The men carrying the cans jumped over the gate into the premises. They poured petrol on the vehicles and set them on fire, before fleeing the spot. Though there was a guard and a policeman was deployed in front of the MLA’s house, the accused entered from the back wall. There were many vehicles parked but the perpetrators left them untouched as there was a CCTV camera directed towards them.
“ Prima facie investigation reveals that it was a premeditated plan and the accused were aware of the security arrangements. We are probing several angles, including political and personal rivalry,” the police officer said.
