The State police have come under criticism for allowing the funeral procession of the murdered Hindutva activist Harsha in Shivamogga on Monday, which eventually triggered violence in the town. Senior Minister K.S. Eshwarappa and Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra have also drawn flak for participating in the procession.
Residents of Murad Colony, who faced the brunt of the violence during the procession, rued that the police were “mute spectators” to the violence. “People who were part of the procession threw stones at shops and residences in the presence of policemen. There were hardly any policemen at sensitive locations. They could not handle the huge crowd,” said a resident, who did not wish to be named.
K.P. Sripal, advocate in Shivamogga, said the police should not have allowed people to gather in the first place, when the prohibitory orders were in place. K. L. Ashok, of Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike, said the funeral procession is known to spread violence and rioting in a communally sensitive situation.
