Bengaluru police have reportedly decided to hand over the probe on KPN travels bus burning case to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Deccan Herald reported that the case will be transferred to CID as various versions of the incident are emerging and they still need to be investigated, said an officer.
Forty-two buses belonging to KPN Travels India Private Ltd (KPNTIPL) owned by Salem-based KP Natarajan were torched in the depot in NayandahallI in Byatarayanapura station limits on Monday.
Meanwhile, eight people, including a woman have been arrested in connection with the case.
The Times of India reported that 22-year-old Bhagyashree, a resident of D’Souza Nagar was arrested by the police on Friday. She was seen setting fire to the buses in the footage seen by the police, says the report.
Other suspects who were arrested were Rakshith, 19, Satish, 27, Kiran, 27, Kempegowda, 28, Prakash, 46, Lokesh, 25 and Chandan, 19 – all residents of D’ Souza Nagar and the neighbouring Veerabhadranagar.
They reportedly worked in various industrial units in Peenya and Kengeri.
KPNTIPL driver Venkatachalam lodged a complaint with the Bengaluru police.
The police have registered a case under IPC Sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 427 (mischief causing damage), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons) and 435 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage).
On Monday, several parts of Bengaluru witnessed vandalism and arson, as protests erupted against the Supreme Court’s modified order to release water to Tamil Nadu.
Officials of United India Insurance, which insures KPN Travels, pegged the firm’s losses at Rs 10 crore.
Natarajan said that the travels company would resume service in Karnataka only if both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments assured safety.