MYSORE: Mysore witnessed communal riots after 17 years. The city had witnessed a communal riots in 1986 after a defamatory story published in a newspaper.
The city again witnessed riots in 1992 after the demolition of the Babri Masjid, which claimed the lives of many and caused huge property loss.
Then the government had shifted the then police commissioner KS Mendegar.
Kasturiragan, who was known for taking bold decisions, was appointed police commissioner. He had constituted an anti-rowdy squad, including officials like KS Thammaiah, Puttaswamy Gowda, Dharamesh and others. The squad was successful in quelling anti-social elements. People had also tried to restore the city's secular image. However, frequent transfers of commissioners resulted in a worsening law and order.
The incident of a few leaders laying siege to the police station in protest against the arrest of residents in Udayagiri has demoralised the police.
Failure of the police to avert the Kyathamaranahalli riots in April 2008 led to another riot in July 2. In the recent clashes, three were killed and more than 40 severely injured.
The increasing disturbances in Gouziyanagar, Rajiv Nagar, Kalyanagiri and Shanthinagar areas underline the urgent need for more police stations, check posts and improve the intelligence network. Politicians and religious heads must work to strengthen the social fabric to ensure these incidents do not taint the city.
Corporation worker stabbed
A Mysore City Corporation worker Arif Khan was stabbed on Saturday night by two riding a bike, in Kalpavrukshanagar under Narasimharaja station limits.
Otherwise, the areas in the Udayagiri station limits and the localities remained peaceful.
Meanwhile, police have stepped up their investigations into the rioting and the attack on BJP Yuva Morcha president Giridhar. ACP Narasimharaja Suresh said the case was yet to be cracked although over 10 people have been taken into custody.
The ban order in the area has been extended till July 13.