Mysuru police arrest religious leader in Udayagiri stone pelting row

NT Correspondent

Mysuru: City Crime Branch (CCB) police who have been investigating the Udayagiri violence, on Thursday arrested a religious leader, Moulvi Mufti Mushtaq Maqbooli on charges of provoking Muslim youth in connection with the stone pelting on Udayagiri Police Station. They picked up the religious leader who was on the run for 11 days after the incident. As a precautionary measure, police have made tight arrangements at the station and in surrounding areas of Udayagiri.

The Moulvi was accused of inciting Muslim youth to attack the person allegedly involved in posting derogatory postings on February 10th night before the youth arrived at Udayagiri Police Station and indulging in stone pelting. The police have also arrested four youth who allegedly pelted stones at vehicles of the police including the vehicle of the deputy commissioner of police. About seven vehicles were damaged with several police personnel also injured during the incident.

Krishnaraja BJP MLA T S Srivatsa claimed that the police were under pressure following directions from state home minister G Parameshwara and arrested the Moulvi. He accused the government of not giving a free hand to police. Deputy Commissioner of Police, M Mutturaj has issued a showcause notice to Satish alias Panduranga who was released on bail in connection with the alleged posting of derogatory messages. in social media, asking him to reply to an externment notice.