Tension continued to prevail in Hunsur in Mysuru even as BJP MP Pratap Simha was released on Sunday night after being taken into preventive custody before the Hanuman Jayanti and Milad-un-Nabi celebrations in the town.
Police officials had imposed Section 144 in the district till 6:30 pm on Monday, except for the two procession routes agreed beforehand for the two festival celebrations. But it did not prevent violent clashes from taking place with Simha’s supporters retaliating at the police action of arresting the MP.
“Last year, two routes were devised for peaceful celebrations of the two festivals. This year too the same routes were agreed but Simha wanted to take a different route. The Superintendent of Police and District Commissioner had discussions with Simha but to no avail. Eventually, we decided to take him into preventive custody,” said Shanmugha, a sub-inspector in Hunsur.
The road from Muneshwara Kaval grounds to Manjunatheshwara temple was earmarked for the procession celebrating Hanuman Jayanti. MP Simha wanted to continue the procession through other areas in the town but the police turned down his request.
People celebrating Hanuman Jayanti agitated against Simha’s absence and the police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
Police officials confirmed that 29 people who were taken into preventive custody yesterday were released in the night while 58 people remain in judicial custody after being arrested during the clashes.
Released. But protecting my religion n tradition is much more important and above than my political future.
— Pratap Simha (@mepratap) December 3, 2017
In addition to prohibitory orders under Section 144, police officials have also banned the sale of liquor and deployed 1,500 personnel in the town.
“We are on high alert to prevent anything untoward from happening today. There were major clashes in 2015 too and we are on high alert to prevent any disturbance today but there is no curfew imposed,” said Shanmugha.