Karnataka: Section 144 in Hubli till April 23 after stone-pelting incident at police station

The local administration here has imposed Section 144 in the city after a mob pelted stones at the old Hubli police station on Saturday night (April 16) where four police personnel were injured. The curfew will continue till April 23 in South Sub-Division 5 PS limit. 

The police has registered 12 cases in the matter where 134 arrests have been made. Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner Labhu Ram said, “The main case was registered in connection with April 16 night (stone-pelting) incident, while in connection with law and order situation, we have registered 12 cases in which 134 arrests have been made.”

Further, the commissioner said that a students named Abhishek who was in judicial custody for allegedly posting objectionable content on social media, were given permission by the court to write the exam.

“One student Abhishek who is in judicial custody has been granted permission by the court to write the exam. We will make arrangements accordingly,” Ram said.

The stone-pelting incident occurred at Old Hubli Police Station where one inspector among four policemen were injured.

On a Saturday night, a mob gathered outside the police station that turned violent and started throwing stones at the police vehicles and the building. 

After which, the police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. However, the situation went out of control then, the police used tear gas shells and dispersed them.

As per the reports, the mob demanded action against a person who kept objectionable WhatsApp status. There are also reports of protesters pelting stones from nearby Hanuman temple and a hospital.

Earlier on Sunday, the Karnataka Minister CN Ashwathnarayan condemned the incident and said strict action will be taken against those who violated the law.