A three-member fact-finding committee set up by the Bharatiya Janata Party has sought the arrest of Congress leader Feroz N. Sait, who represents the Belagavi North Assembly constituency, for his involvement in the communal violence which erupted during and after the Ganesh immersion processions in Belagavi and other parts of North Karnataka.
The former Minister C.T. Ravi, who heads the committee, on Monday spoke to the residents of Khadak Galli, and Kacheri Galli. He also visited the site of the grave from where violence was reported nearly 10 to 11 hours after the Ganesh immersion procession last Monday.
He alleged that Mr. Sait was behind the violence, in which only the houses, vehicles and properties of Hindus were targeted.
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Mr. Ravi said the main reason behind the violence was cropping up of a “fake grave” overnight on a government land which was cleared to provide parking space for vehicles. Had the government not allowed installing the grave or removed it immediately, it could have prevented the violence. Though there was an order from the tahsildar, the grave continued to be in that place. He alleged that it showed the laxity on the part of the district administration and the police.
Mr. Ravi said these incidents were fit for a judicial inquiry but the committee would wait for a few days to see if the police were free and fair in its investigations. He alleged that the police now were indulging in “quasi-justice” and “balancing acts” by arresting innocent Hindu youth who were victims of the attack. The committee would submit its findings to the party president soon.
Laxman Savadi, MLA said the police should not victimise Hindus to please the local MLA, else they would be forced to stage a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Another member, Sanjay B. Patil, MLA was present.
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The police had made heavy security arrangements during the visit of the committee members.