Violence rocks Bangalore again; 1 killed, 60 injured-India-NEWS-The Times of India

BANGALORE: In a bitter sequel to the riots on Friday, localities in Bangalore East witnessed another round of mob fury on Sunday as miscreants attacked shops and torched vehicles. A child was killed and over 60 people injured in the violence that rocked the city.

Trouble broke out when members of Hindu community apparently retaliated to Friday's arson triggered by Muslims during a rally to condemn Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's hanging.

An 11-year-old boy was killed and 11 people sustained bullet injuries when police opened fire behind Russel market in Shivajinagar after a mob stabbed a policeman.

More than 60 people were injured, over a dozen vehicles were torched, several two-wheelers and hundreds of shops damaged, nearly 30 houses looted, five chicken shops and 15 houses burnt, and places of worship stoned.

Police clamped prohibitory orders after groups of youngsters carrying swords got into action. The Rapid Action Force was summoned and teargas shells lobbed at several places. Night curfew was clamped in Bharathinagar police limits.

Trouble began when scores of volunteers from different parts of East Bangalore marched towards the Viraat Hindu Samajotsava meeting at Ulsoor. A procession, which began from Nagawara, reached Tannery Road by 2 pm and the police diverted it to Frazer Town.

When the procession hit Kamraj Road-St John's Church Road intersection near Tom's Cafe, rumours about Muthyalamma Temple on Seppings Road being attacked began. This resulted in a group charging towards Seppings Road and all hell broke loose.

Mobs torched buses, threw stones at passing vehicles in many areas. This prompted police to fire teargas shells. Police opened fire at the Thimmaiah Road junction also. By late evening, police took control of the troubled areas that continued to remain tense.

Autorickshaw and two-wheeler riders were the worst victims of violence. Over six autos were burnt. An autorickshaw driver was pulled out of his vehicle and hit on the head by wooden clubs. He was later taken to a hospital.

In the afternoon, police chased away an angry mob that tried to attack former Union minister C K Jaffer Sheriff's house, holding him responsible for the Friday's rally.