DHARWAR: Stray incidents of stone throwing and at least one case of arson were reported in southern Indian state of Karnataka’s Dharwar town, as tension mounted following the discovery of the carcass of an animal near a place of worship,
The town was brought under sec35 of the Karnataka police-act, empowering police to take into custody anyone carrying any type of weapon, including stones, and restricting assembly of five or more persons. The-act will remain in force till midnight of Jan 5, it was officially stated.
Shopkeepers downed shutters, some schools closed for the day and normal life was thrown out of gear. Though police brought the Situation under control, tension still prevailed.
In the twin city of Hubli, the police intensified patrolling as a precautionary measure.
Eight miscreants were arrested after they made a futile bid to set fire to a two wheeler.
Talking to reporters here, city police commissioner Surat Prasad said the police had been directed to deal firmly with any situation. Two companies each of the Karnataka state reserve police and district armed reserve constabulary had been called in to assist local police, he added.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 12, 1990
