Dr G says cops have videos of violence; Yatnal calls lathicharge unwarranted

DESPITE the Opposition demanding stringent action against the top police officers allegedly responsible for the lathicharge on protesters during the Panchamsalis' agitation for 2-A reservation in front of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha here on Tuesday, Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara made it clear in the Legislative Assembly that everything about the violence which took place during the protest is crystal clear and that the government will not investigate the incident or initiate action against any of the said officials in this regard.

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Responding to a debate on the police lathicharge, Parameshwara said there was no need for an investigation into it since the police have the videos and photos of the violence, and also the identification of those who threw stones during the violence. "Everything about the violent incident is in black and white and the police acted responsibly to maintain law and order. At least 25 policemen were injured in stone-throwing," he said.

Legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal called the lathicharge unwarranted and said the government had done injustice to the Panchamsalis, who were peacefully staging an agitation. He said some of the top police officials, including an ADGP, acted irresponsibly during the violence and ordered the lathicharge needlessly.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka and Deputy Leader of Opposition Aravind Bellad also demanded stringent action against the police and hit out at the government for defending the police action.