Kumta: The protest seeking justice for Paresh Mesta who died mysteriously, turned violent on Monday with the protesters resorting to stone pelting at Kumta on Monday afternoon. The parked Innova car of Western Range Inspector General of Police (IGP) Hemanth Nimbalkar was also set ablaze by the angry mob.
Considering the situation, Deputy Commissioner S.S. Nakul has invoked prohibitory orders banning meetings, gathering, rallies and processions in the entire district for three days till December 14.
Kumta, Honnavar and nearby areas have been tense since 10 days due to communal incidents despite security being beefed up in the region.
The body of Paresh, a resident of Tulasinagar in Honnavar, who is said to be a saffron outfit activist, was found in a lake in Honnavar. Saffron outfits alleged that Paresh was murdered by 'Jehadis,' after the communal clash on December 6. The protest was held by Hindutva outfits and BJP workers at Kumta, Karwar and Gokarna who sought justice for Paresh.
The situation turned violent at Kumta when the protesters resorted to stone pelting leaving a PSI and two other police officers injuries. With things going out of control, the police resorted to a laticharge to disperse the mob. With prohibitory orders in place, except for wedding and family events, meetings, processions and rallies have been banned in the district till December 14.
