Udayagiri attack: Eight in custody, more suspects on run

A social media post sparks outrage, leading to a violent attack on a police station and raising questions about law and order. Tensions flare in Mysuru as a mob attacks the Udayagiri police station following a contentious social media post, resulting in multiple injuries and arrests, igniting a political firestorm

Cleric's Speech Incites Mayhem

The City Crime Branch (CCB) apprehended eight individuals linked to the Udayagiri police station assault on Monday. Authorities suspect the violence was triggered by a provocative speech from a cleric, Mufti Mustak Makbuli. Police used CCTV footage to identify the accused, and a special team is working to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Night of Fury and Destruction

On Monday night, a mob of over 1,000 people gathered outside the police station, allegedly incensed by a perceived insult to the Muslim community. The crowd set fire to the road and hurled stones at the police station, injuring at least 14 officers and damaging six police vehicles. A suo motu case has been registered, with police collecting statements from injured officers and assessing the damage.

Political Storm Brews

The incident has ignited a political firestorm, with opposition leader R. Ashoka sharply criticizing the state government's handling of law and order. Ashoka visited Udayagiri and claimed that Karnataka's law and order situation had collapsed under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's leadership. BJP state president BY Vijayendra accused the Congress government of minority appeasement and failing to curb communal violence.

Government Response

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed that orders have been issued to arrest those responsible for the violence. He stated that the unrest began when a crowd of around 200 gathered outside the police station, demanding the accused from the social media post be handed over to them and police used tear gas to disperse them when they were turned down and resorted to stone pelting.