Karnataka LoP R Ashoka seeks NIA probe into Nagamangala violence
Bengaluru, Sep 15: Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka on Sunday demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the recent violence in Mandya district, citing alleged involvement of Kerala-based persons with links to banned outfit such as Popular Front of India (PFI) in it.
Clashes broke out between two groups during a Ganesh idol procession in Nagamangala town in Mandya district, following which mobs went on a rampage, targeting several shops and vehicles leading to tension on Wednesday night.
"Locals have suspected the involvement of Kerala-based persons with links to banned organisations like PFI, Karnataka Forum for Dignity in the communal riots that took place during the religious immersion at Nagamangala. These wicked people had bought 150 masks before the riots, and destroyed CCTVs. Locals suspect that the crime was fully sponsored and premeditated," Ashoka said in a post on 'X'.
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As the first 23 accused named in the FIR registered by the government are Hindus, it gives rise to suspicion whether the police are under pressure from banned organisations.
"As there is a strong suspicion over the involvement of banned organisations and religious fundamentalists in this communal riot, it will be difficult for the local police to crack the case, and so I urge CM Siddaramaiah and Home Minister Parameshwara to hand over the case to the NIA," he added.
A few people, including two policemen, had sustained minor injuries in stone-pelting on Wednesday night.
According to police, an argument had broken out between two groups, when the Ganesh idol procession by devotees from Badri Koppalu village reached a place of worship on Wednesday, and some miscreants hurled stones, which escalated the situation.
ನಾಗಮಂಗಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಗಣೇಶ ವಿಸರ್ಜನೆ ವೇಳೆ ನಡೆದ ಕೋಮುಗಲಭೆಯಲ್ಲಿ PFI, KFD ಅಂತಹ ನಿಷೇಧಿತ ಸಂಘಟನೆಗಳ ನಂಟು ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ಕೇರಳ ಮೂಲದ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳ ಕೈವಾಡವಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಸ್ಥಳೀಯರು ಶಂಕೆ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದ್ದು, ಈ ದುರುಳರು ಗಲಭೆಗೊ ಮುನ್ನ 150 ಮಾಸ್ಕ ಖರೀದಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ, ಸಿಸಿಟಿವಿಗಳನ್ನ ನಾಶ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ, ಮತ್ತು ಈ ದುಷ್ಕೃತ್ಯ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಪ್ರಾಯೋಜಿತ… pic.twitter.com/Kf0g7BBarf
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) September 15, 2024
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Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers deported from Thailand, taken into police custody
New Delhi (PTI): Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa where a massive fire killed 25 people, were deported from Thailand on Tuesday and taken into custody by Delhi and Goa police as soon as they landed in Delhi.
The brothers arrived in the Indian capital in an Indigo flight and were immediately handed over to authorities for further legal proceedings, 10 days after a blaze tore through the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora in North Goa.
Gaurav, 44 and Saurabh, 40, will be produced before a Delhi court where the Goa police will seek their transit remand.
A TV reporter tracking the brothers from Bangkok attempted to shoot inside the aircraft, prompting the airlines and accompanying security officials to summon additional force to whisk away the two men.
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The Luthra brothers are facing a case of culpable homicide and negligence following the December 6 tragedy, which investigators allege was compounded by the nightclub operating in violation of mandatory fire safety norms. The incident raised serious questions over alleged fire safety violations and lapses by the management.
Gaurav and Saurabh fled to Phuket in the early hours of December 7, hours after the fire at their nightclub, prompting the authorities to issue an Interpol Blue Corner Notice and cancel their passports.
The duo was detained by Thai authorities at Phuket on December 11 following a request from the Indian government which later coordinated with officials in Thailand to deport them under legal treaties between the two nations.
On December 11, a Delhi court rejected the transit anticipatory bail pleas. Additional Sessions Judge Vandana termed the allegations against the brothers "prima facie grave and serious" and severely criticised their "conduct."
The court took note of the police investigation that the brothers had booked tickets to Phuket one hour after the fire, a fact their counsel had initially "concealed" while seeking protection from immediate arrest.
The judge said that leaving immediately after the tragedy was a clear attempt to "evade the legal process".
Observing that "someone has to be held accountable" for the tragedy, the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court on Monday converted a civil suit against the nightclub into a public interest litigation (PIL).
