Communal tension in Raichur, ban orders imposed

Communal trouble erupted in Raichur in Karnataka after five makeshift structures erected to place the idols of Ganesha were found burnt on Thursday.

Six persons were injured when groups armed with iron rods and canes began attacking people in parts of Raichur after the Ganesha pandals were found burnt down. Miscreants also went around attacking buses, trucks and other vehicles on the roads, damaging six buses, trucks and cars, besides setting fire to a motorcycle.

Police had to resort to caning the activists of pro-Hindu organizations, who went around pelting stones in the town.

Most business establishments and educational institutions remained closed in Raichur on Thursday and Friday as the pro-Hindu organizations had given a call for 48-hour shut down. Vehicles also did not ply on the roads in view of the tense situation.

Hundreds of pro-Hindu activists took out a procession in Raichur on Thursday evening seeking the immediate arrest of the miscreants, who had torched the Ganesha pandals.

The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders in the town for an indefinite period in view of the tense situation.
The communal trouble in Raichur comes a day after tension gripped Hubli, where stones were allegedly thrown at a Ganesha procession. However, Hubli Dharwad Police Commissioner N Shivakumar, who rushed to the spot with additional police force, brought the situation under control.