Karnataka government has decided to invoke the stringent UAPA law along with the Goonda Act in the Bengaluru violence case in which three people were killed in police firing after violent clashes broke out in a locality over a social media post.
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa held a meeting with Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday to discuss the measures being taken following the violence. Three people were killed, over 60 police personnel were injured while several private and police vehicles were burnt in the violence last week in Bengaluru.
The government has also decided to approach the high court in order to appoint a claim commissioner to assess and recover damages caused by the mob during the violence in DJ Halli area last week.
The special investigation team will invoke the Goonda Act wherever necessary and also the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against the culprits.
Congress MLA R Akhanda Srinivasa, whose house was vandalised and set on fire after his relative shared the inflammatory post on social media, has said that he will inform the police “of whom he thinks are responsible” for the violence.
“We also have our own sources to find out who burnt his house. Our investigation has no political overtones,” Home Minister Bommai said on Monday.
On banning SDPI, the government said that they are looking into this to find out more information and the cabinet will take the final call on this measure.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka government will hold a meeting with the chiefs of social media platforms and discuss ways to tackle social media posts that can cause unrest in the society.
“We are looking at the present law, will have discussion with tech chiefs of social media. We wish to have some regulation and filters. We will explore the present law and see if we can strengthen it further,” the minister added.
Prohibitory orders have been issued for the areas affected by violence in Bengaluru. On Sunday, the restrictions were extended till August 18.
The police said so far five cases have been registered in Devara Jeevanahalli and Kadugondanahalli and 264 people have been arrested in connection with rioting.
