Bengaluru violence: Those really guilty should be punished, says former PM HD Deve Gowda

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda on Thursday said only those who are really guilty for violence in parts of city on August 11 should be punished, as he asked Congress and BJP t to indulge in a political blamegame on issue.

Expressing sadness over attack on Pulakeshi Nagar MLA Akhanda Srinivasa Murthy's residence, JD(S) patriarch also said government should take action to get justice for him and give him compensation for losses.

" attack on Pulakeshi Nagar MLA Akhanda Srinivasa Murthy's residence is unfortunate and such incidents should t occur in any part of country.

Police have arrested about 140 people in connection with rioting, but how many among m are real culprits?" Gowda was quoted as saying by his office in a release. He said, "All of m (arrested) cant be culprits. Only guilty should be held responsible for incident and merciless action should be taken against m. Incents should t be punished, this is my request to police." Three persons were killed after police opened fire to quell a mob that went on a ramp in a city locality on Tuesday night over a purportedly inflammatory social media post allegedly put out by Congress legislator Murthy's relative.

Urging government to take merciless action against real guilty, Gowda said, burning down houses, cars and looting properties related to an MLA was unheard of in state.

"Akhanda Srinivasa Murthy has t betrayed anyone, yes he was in our party earlier, that's a different matter. Government should take all necessary steps to get him justice. loss that he has suffered, jewellery among or things.... he should be given compensation," he said.

Murthy's residence and a police station at D J Halli were among those targeted by mob. house of MLA, who was t at home at time, was allegedly set on fire.

Asking BJP and Congress t to indulge in a political blame game regarding violence, Gowda said one should speak according to ir whims and fancies on such matters.

Furr stating that JD(S) will begin its statewide agitation from tomorrow against state government's "anti-farmer" laws and amendments to land reforms act, among ors, he said, protests will be flagged off from Hassan, by following COVID-19 guidelines.

Only 200 people are likely to participate in protest tomorrow, he said. Along with him, party state president H K Kumaraswamy, son and MLA H D Revanna will submit a memorandum to goverr through district deputy commissioner.

Stating that protest will be scaled up step by step in all 30 districts next week, Gowda said as he cant travel everywhere, state president, party leaders and legislators will take lead.

He pointed out that large-scale destruction have been caused to properties and crops due to recent rains and floods in different parts of state.

Prime Minister's recent meeting with ministers from state regarding flood situation was t satisfactory, according to him.

Gowda urged state government to send officials to districts and taluks to assess dam and send a report to Centre, adding that centre should immediately send a team to state.

"Last year injustice happened to us with regard to flood relief. It should t happen this time. I will speak about this in Parliament," Gowda, who is also a Rajya Sabha member, added.

(Photo Credit: PTI)