Mysuru: Mysuru city police prevented the Mangaluru Chalo bike rally planned by the BJP on Wednesday morning. The party had planned the rally to condemn the killings of pro Hindu activists, from the North gate of Mysuru Palace near Kote Anjaneya Swamy temple, via Hunsur, Periyapatna and Kushalnagar to Mangaluru.
Though prohibitory orders under section 144 were in place, the BJP leaders tried to gather near Anjaneya Swamy temple at the north gate of Mysuru Palace and also attempted to stage a protest near the Ambedkar statue at the Town Hall premises. But the police prevented them and arrested more than 150 BJP leaders including Mysuru MP Pratap Simha, MLC Siddaraju, and others. They were released later. Former minister S.A. Ramdas who came on a two-wheeler holding the BJP flag, was also arrested and his vehicle seized. However no case has been booked against anyone, police said.
As many as 800 policemen, eight KSRP and four DAR teams were deputed to monitor the situation at Palace Circle.
Meanwhile MP Pratap Simha expressed his anger and said, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has failed to prevent murders on pro Hindu leaders and they prevent us from protesting. State government is directly responsible for loss of peace in the State. We will continue to fight, he said.
