Minister for School Education and Literacy, Madhu Bangarappa, on October 3, visited Ragi Gudda locality in the city where violence broke out during the Eid Milad procession two days ago.
The minister, who is also in-charge of the district, was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner R. Selvamani and SP G.K. Mithun Kumar. He interacted with people who were victims of the stone-pelting. The residents complained to the minister that a group of people threw stones at their residence, damaging vehicles and window panes. They appealed to the minister to ensure such incidents did not repeat.
The minister assured them that the government would stand by them and take all measures required to stop such incidents in the future. Later, he visited McGann Hospital, where the injured were being treated.
Everyone equal before law
Speaking to presspersons at the hospital, the minister said that he visited the violence-hit areas as a representative of the government, not as a politician. “Everybody is equal before the government and the law. The police have arrested 60 people and registered 24 cases. They have taken steps necessary to ensure peace in the city,” he said.
Regarding the prohibitory orders in the city, the minister said he also received calls from business people who had raised objections to the orders. “It was necessary to avoid the spread of violence. However, business activities have not been disturbed,” he added.
Further, he said he would look into the possibility of offering relief to those who suffered losses from the government. “However, if there is no provision, the people of the district will stand by them and extend support,” he said.