The Hindu Business Line : Karnataka Govt plans penalty for calling bandhs

The Home Minister, Mr M.P. Prakash, said this while addressing newspersons during his visit to review the law and order situation in Mangalore, which has been affected by communal clashes and subsequent curfew.

(Mangalore observed bandhs last Thursday and Friday. The city has been under curfew for the past three days.)

"Till now we have not imposed fine on anybody for calling the bandhs. The situation has come for imposing such a fine. However, this matter will be discussed with the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and in the Cabinet, and a decision will be taken."

He was replying to a query if the Government would impose fine on those calling for bandhs.

Judicial inquiry

On whether the Government will order a judicial inquiry as demanded by some of the political parties, Mr Prakash said there was no need for such an inquiry. The district administration has taken adequate measures in this regard.

He also said that he had spoken to the Union Home Minister, Mr Shivraj Patil, and given him the complete report on the situation.

Mr Patil has been told that sufficient forces have been deployed to control the situation.

Mr Prakash said that he would meet the Governor, Mr T.N. Chaturvedi, after his return to Bangalore.

Estimated loss

According to the Minister, the estimated loss due to the bandhs is around Rs 90 lakh. Some 158 cases have been registered and 312 people have been arrested so far. Two persons died in the communal clashes during the days of bandh. Of the 88 injured, four have suffered severe injuries.

Mr Prakash called upon political parties and the media not to cross the `lakshman rekha' in such situations.

Meanwhile, curfew was relaxed in Mangalore from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday.