Government urged to order probe into Mudhol violence

Reacting to the communal violence in Mudhol on September 23, C.M. Ibrahim, chairman, Karnataka State Planning Board, has said that he has recommended that the government order a judicial probe into the incident. Speaking to The Hindu after participating in a private programme here on Sunday, he said that the probe will help find the truth behind the incident and the persons behind it.

As many as 21 vehicles, two houses and around 40 shops were burnt in the violence. Property worth crores was gutted in the violence that erupted during the procession for Ganesh idol immersion. Following the incident, while nearly 100 persons were arrested, two police officials — a circle police inspector and a sub inspector — were suspended on the charge of dereliction of duty.

Mr. Ibrahim, who is also a former Union Minister, said that the board will recommend that the government set up a separate contingency fund in the next budget for providing compensation to riot victims.

Regretting the incidents, Mr. Ibrahim however appealed the people to maintain calm and do not pollute the brotherly environment with communal violence.