Haveri, July 3 (IANS) Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Basavaraj Bommai on Friday demanded the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the recent incident of communal violence in Naregal village of Hangal taluk, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order in Haveri district. Bommai represents the Haveri Lok Sabha seat in North Karnataka.

He also sought action against the Haveri Superintendent of Police (SP) and the suspension of the Hangal Circle Police Inspector (CPI) and Sub-Inspector (SI).

Speaking to reporters in Haveri, Bommai alleged that communal disturbances had become frequent in the district and accused the police of failing to prevent recurring incidents.

“This is not the first such incident. It is perhaps the seventh or eighth communal incident in the district within a year. Naregal has witnessed communal tensions on several occasions over the past three decades,” he said.

Bommai said that during his tenure in government, steps had been taken to permanently resolve the issue by allocating additional land to the mosque and creating a separate entrance for devotees.

He claimed that the then Deputy Commissioner had issued proceedings directing that the main road should remain open for use by everyone, but alleged that the police had failed to implement those decisions.

“Those entrusted with maintaining law and order have themselves become responsible for its deterioration. No preventive measures were taken despite Naregal, Bommanahalli and Bankapur being identified as sensitive areas. Sending a ‘112’ police response vehicle with just two personnel is inadequate to control such situations,” he said.

Holding the district police leadership responsible, Bommai accused the Haveri SP, the Hangal CPI and the SI of negligence.

Questioning the SP’s reported description of the incident as a “personal dispute,” Bommai asked how it could be termed a personal issue. Was there any land dispute or any other private dispute between the parties? By calling it personal, the police are trivialising the incident, attempting to mislead the public and trying to suppress the truth. He demanded disciplinary action against the SP and the suspension of the Hangal CPI and SI.

Bommai said an SIT should be constituted to investigate the incident, alleging that justice could not be expected from the district police. “The usual practice is to register cases against 20 people from one side and 20 from the other and close the matter. That is not justice,” he alleged.

Referring to previous incidents in Hangal, Bommai alleged that persons accused in serious criminal cases, including those allegedly linked to terror activities and a gang rape case, had openly taken out processions after securing bail under police protection.

“No matter what happens in Hangal, the police do not act against such people. Those accused in a gang rape case were taken out in a public procession under police protection as though they had returned victorious from a great battle,” he alleged.

Bommai accused the Congress government of pursuing “appeasement politics,” alleging that it encouraged lawlessness.

“As a result of appeasement politics, those who indulge in violence receive protection, while those who become victims face criminal cases. People should not be pushed to the limits of their patience. No government or authority is permanent. Protecting the people who have given you their mandate is the government’s foremost responsibility. This government has failed in that duty,” he said.

He said he would raise the matter with the Chief Minister, the Home Minister and the Director General of Police (DGP).

“I have already spoken to the SP. An SIT must be constituted, and the two local police officers must be suspended. Only then will justice be done,” he added.

Responding to allegations by the Hangal MLA that the BJP was politicising the incident, Bommai defended his stand.

“When there is a clash between two communities in a village, how can the SP call it a personal dispute? If there is any personal background, let them make it public. Such statements are made only to cover up official failures and justify appeasement politics,” he said.

Bommai also criticised the police for registering cases against members of both communities, alleging that even those who were assaulted had been named as accused.

–IANS

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