Muslims form human chain to save temple amid Bengaluru violence

Guwahati: A riot broke out in Kaval Byrasandra, outside Pulkeshinagar area of Bengaluru city on Tuesday night. Amid the accounts of violence, a story of bravery and unity came out of the narrow lanes of the city.

As the violence progressed, a group of Muslim youths assembled and formed a human chain around a temple to protect it from arsonists after violence erupted in the area of DJ Halli police station limits.

A video of the same has since gone viral and is being widely circulated on Social media and has also been shared by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Taking to Twitter, MP Tharoor wrote, "Those who incited and perpetrated the #bangaloreriots must be found, arrested & given exemplary punishment. But they are not to be equated with an entire community any more than thugs & vigilantes represent all Hindus. This also happened in Bangalore."

The death toll in Bengaluru violence rose to 3 on Wednesday after police opened fire to control a mob irked over a social media post made by Congress MLA R Akhanda Srinivas Murthy's relative.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Kamal Pant said, "Three people have died (in police firing)." 110 people have been arrested so far in connection with the incident at Pulakeshi Nagar.

Civilians as well as 50 policemen were injured in the violence that erupted late on Tuesday night and continued till the early hours of Wednesday. The mob gathered outside MLA Murthy's house.

Commissioner Pant said Naveen, the Congress MLA's relative, who allegedly posted the social media post, has been arrested and appealed for peace.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said the "attack on the residence of MLA Akhanda Srinivasa Murthy and the DJ Halli police station and riot is condemnable."

"Already given directions to initiate stringent action against the criminals (and) the government has initiated all the measures to contain violence." The attacks on police, media persons and civilians were inexcusable. The government will not tolerate such instigation and mischief, he added.