Karnataka orders CoD probe attack on churches

The BJP Government in Karnataka has ordered a Corps of Detective (CoD) probe into the recent attacks on churches in different parts of the state, particularly in the coastal town of Mangalore.

A decision to order a probe by the elite sleuths of the CoD was taken after prolonged discussions over the attacks on churches during a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday.

Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said the State Government has decided to order a probe by the CoD as it wanted an “impartial inquiry” into the communal violence gripping the state.

Claiming that he was “shocked and pained”, Yeddyurappa said the Government wishes to hold an impartial inquiry into the incidents of communal violence that have rocked the state.

The CoD would be asked to probe all the instances of attacks on churches reported since September 14 and file a report within the next two months. “The probe would expose the persons, groups and organizations behind the attacks on churches”, he said.

He said the police has been directed to provide round-the-clock patrolling in sensitive towns and cities of the State in view of the communal unrest. All the places of worship, particularly the ones belonging to minorities will be given security, Yeddyurappa said.

The BJP Government’s decision to order a CoD probe comes after Opposition parties came down heavily on the Chief Minister for not initiating action against the Bajrang Dal leaders and activists though they had accepted responsibility for the attacks of Christian places of worship in protest against conversion.

The Opposition Congress and JD (S) leaders have accused Yeddyurappa of shielding Bajrang Dal leaders, which has emboldened the Sangh Parivar activists to unleash terror against minorities.
Meanwhile, the attacks on churches in different parts of Karnataka continued even on Thursday with Hindu activists attacking a church in Kudremukh in Chickmagalur district on Thursday.