An irate mob of supporters of slain police sub-inspector Mallikarjun Bande and residents of Khajuri village in Aland taluk of Gulbarga district, pelted stones at the vehicle of Home Minister K.J. George at Khajuri on Thursday, expressing their anger over the failure of the government to enhance the compensation to the family of Mr. Bande to Rs. 1 crore.
The incident happened when Mr. George, accompanied by Minister of State for Medical Education Sharan Prakash R. Patil and senior police officials Director-General and Inspector-General of Police L.R. Pachau and Additional DGP (Law and Order) M.N. Reddy were returning in their vehicle after placing a wreath on the body of Mr. Bande placed for public darshan in Khajuri village. Even as news about the Ministers leaving the spot spread, the mob began running towards the vehicle and began pelting it with stones. The driver sped away from the scene with the help of the pilot vehicle. Except for the damage to the window of the vehicle, nobody was injured.
When stone-pelting continued, the police, who were posted in full strength, used mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. The irate mob also attempted to set fire to a police jeep after stoning it at the entrance of the village. The driver of the police vehicle was injured in the stone-pelting.
Khajuri village was teeming with people; thousands of residents form surrounding villages came to get a last glimpse of the hero of Khajuri.