Naregal clash: Bommai demands SIT probe, action against cops

Haveri: MP Basavaraj Bommai on Friday alleged that law and order in Haveri district had collapsed and claimed police negligence was directly responsible for the recent violence in Naregal village.

He demanded the suspension of the CPI and SI linked to the case.Speaking to mediapersons after visiting the affected family in connection with the Hindu-Muslim clash in Naregal, Bommai said the existing 112 police patrol system had proved ineffective in communally sensitive areas. He alleged that no preventive measures were taken despite tensions and accused officials responsible for maintaining law and order of failing in their duty.Bommai called for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a comprehensive probe into the incident. He said only a transparent SIT inquiry could uncover the facts and ensure appropriate action against those responsible for the violence.He also criticised the authorities for what he described as inaction on earlier occasions, alleging that they remained silent even when a procession was taken out after the accused in the Hangal gang rape case secured bail.

He further claimed that law enforcement was being misused for political appeasement.Bommai alleged that several of those attacked during the clash had subsequently been named as accused. According to him, complaints were registered from both sides in a bid to weaken the case, and the number of counter-cases had increased since the current superintendent of police took charge.He said he would bring the matter to the notice of the chief minister and home minister and assured legal support to those injured in the incident. “The SIT must investigate the violence thoroughly, and those responsible for attacking innocent Hindus should face stringent punishment,” Bommai said.