The Bengaluru Police on Wednesday arrested a man accused for posting “derogatory” post allegedly offensive to Islam and its beliefs. The post led to violent clashes at Congress’ Pulkeshi Nagar MLA Akhanda Srinivas Murthy’s residence and later in and around the premises of DJ Halli and KG Halli police stations after a mob started pelting stones and torching vehicles. At least three people and over 50 police personnel were injured.

The accused P Naveen has been identified as the nephew of Murthy.  “With regard to incidents in DJ Halli, accused Naveen arrested for posting derogatory posts… also total 110 accused arrested for arson, stone pelting and assault on police. APPEAL TO ALL TO COOPERATE WITH POLICE TO MAINTAIN PEACE,” Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Kamal Pant tweeted.

The state government has also ordered a magisterial enquiry into the violent clashes. Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa directed the police to take strict action against those involved in the incident. Thw

“Directions have been issued to the police to take strict action against the perpetrators involved in inciting violence at MLA Akhanda Srinivas Murthy’s residence and later against the police in DJ Halli station limits. The government will take all measures to punish the guilty,” Yediyurappa said. “The government will not tolerate such provocations and rumors. I appeal to the public to maintain peace.”

ccording to the police, small groups started arriving at Pulkeshi Nagar MLA Murthy’s residence in Kaval Byrasandra at around 8 pm Tuesday, after which hundreds joined them in a protest outside DJ Halli police station demanding immediate action against the people who posted the message on social media, which was allegedly offensive to Islam and its beliefs. More cops were deployed in the area following directions from Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

“We will investigate the matter thoroughly, whatever the situation is. However, indulging in vandalism is not the solution. Additional forces have been deployed and the cops have been given a free hand to handle the situation,” Bommai had said at the time.