Bengaluru: Violent protests gripped parts of the southern Indian city of Bengaluru late on Tuesday after thousands of protesters took to the streets over a provocative social media post about the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) by a relative of a local politician, local media reported.
Three people were dead and three injured after police opened fire, according to a regional news channel. Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the deaths or the number of injuries.
"The situation is under control," Bengaluru City Police said on Twitter, adding that police resorted to firing on the protesters to disperse them after using tear gas and batons.
TV channels showed a mob gathered outside a police station and clashing with officers, burning several police vehicles.
"We have secured the person who made the social media post", Police Commissioner Kamal Pant told TV reporters. Several police officers were injured, he added.
A curfew was imposed in the surrounding area to restrict movements of people, police said.
"We are investigating the issue and will make use of the CCTV footages to see who is behind these violent acts and will take stringent actions," Karnataka state Home Minister Basavraj Bommai told a local TV news channel.
Police arrests accused and 110 people for violence
Meanwhile, Bengaluru Police has arrested Congress MLA Srinivas Murthy's nephew for sharing a 'derogatory' post on social media, which triggered violence in the city last night.
As many as 110 people have been arrested in connection with the violence in the city.
"Accused Naveen arrested for sharing a derogatory post on social media," said Bengaluru Police Commissioner Kamal Pant.
"110 people have also been arrested in connection with the violence that broke out in Bengaluru over an alleged inciting social media post," Sandeep Patil, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), Bengaluru said.
While Section 144 has been imposed in Bengaluru, curfew has been imposed in DJ Halli and KG Halli police station limits after violence broke out in the area.
Earlier, Congress MLA Srinivas Murthy's house was also vandalised by miscreants following the social media post by his nephew Naveen.
