Bengaluru to recover losses from rioters

Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the state government will assess the damage to public property during last week's violence in Bengaluru, and recover the losses from rioters. Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said that the government would approach the High Court for the appointment of a Claim Commissioner.

Bengaluru (Karnataka): Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday said that the state government will assess the damages caused during last week's violence in Bengaluru and recover the losses from the culprits.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the Chief Minister at the latter's official residence, Bommai said, "We will not hand over the DJ Halli and KJ Halli case to CBI and the NIA. Our state police will conduct the inquiry about the riots and the government will assess the damages caused and recover it from the culprits."

Meanwhile, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said that the government will approach the High Court for the appointment of a Claim Commissioner to assess the loss of property.

He said that stringent action has been initiated against the culprits of the violence, including invoking of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

"A Special Investigation Team has already been formed to conduct a detailed investigation in the matter and a team of three special prosecutors will be appointed for speedy trial of the cases. SIT will consider invoking Goonda Act if warranted," Yediyurappa tweeted.

Read:Bengaluru riots: MLA's nephew 'admits' to posting derogatory remark

At least three people were killed after police opened fire to quell a mob that went on a rampage, irked over a social media post allegedly put out by a Congress legislator's relative, as a city locality witnessed arson and violence.

Scores of persons, including around 50 policemen, were also injured in the violence that erupted on the night of August 11 and continued till the wee hours of August 12, apparently prompted by the 'communally sensitive' online post.

Also, 110 people allegedly involved in the violence and the accused who posted the communal post have been arrested.

The Congress MLA's residence and a police station were among those targeted by the angry mob, prompting the government to issue a stern warning that rioting and law and order issues will not be tolerated. An ATM was also destroyed in the violence.

(With inputs from PTI)