Cong MLA Srinivas Murthy's house vandalised by miscreants over social media post

Congress MLA Srinivas Murthy's residence in Bengaluru vandalised, allegedly over an inciting social media post by his nephew. Violent protests broke out in eastern Bengaluru late on Tuesday night over a "derogatory message' posted by politician's relative on social media.

Bengaluru: Congress MLA Srinivas Murthy's residence in Bengaluru has been vandalised on Tuesday, allegedly over an inciting social media post by his nephew, police said.

Murthy's house was attacked by people for an alleged controversial post on Facebook regarding Prophet Muhammad by his nephew Naveen.

The mob has set ablaze cars and they are protesting in front of KG Halli police station.

Taking note of the situation, Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, "Issue will be probed but vandalism is not the solution. Additional forces have been deployed. Action will be taken against miscreants."

According to reports, a mob gathered outside Congress legislator Akanda Srinivas Murthy's house where they shouted slogans against the post and also resorted to arson.

The mob was demanding the arrest of Naveen, who is related to Murthy and rioted in DJ Halli, KG Halli and Pulakeshi Nagar.

Murthy, the legislator from Pulikeshi Nagar, posted a video on social media asking the mob to stop the agitation.

"Please don't resort to violence over the mischievous work of some miscreants," appealed Murthy.

A large mob was also seen opposite KG Halli police station in the city.

The mob chanted religious slogans even as some members from the same community tried to calm down the mob.

'Mat karo', said one of the persons who tried to calm down the mob as many mask-wearing protesters came out into the streets wearing masks.

Meanwhile, to control and disperse the mob, policemen in riot gear were deployed and baton-charged protesters who resorted to arson and also overturned the police vehicle.

City Police Commissioner Kamal Pant visited the riot-hit areas where a heavy police presence has been deployed, an official said on Wednesday.

"Unfortunate incidents have occurred in localities like DJ Halli and KG Halli. Police carried out a baton charge to bring the situation under control," said a police official adding strict action will be taken against guilty.

State home minister Basavaraj Bommai has also warned of strict action against those who take the law into their hands.
(With inputs from IANS and ANI)