Karwar: The region witness total bundh called for by the BJP and the Vishwa Hindu Parishat in connection to Paresh Mesta death case.
Mesta was found dead following a Hindu-Muslim group clash couple of days ago. Alleging that Mesta was murdered due to communal reasons, the Hindu organisations called for a bundh demanding immediate arrest of the persons behind the act.
The protests only intensified on Monday with thousands of Hindu volunteers reaching Karwar from various taluks of the coastal belt. Some forcefully pulled down the shutters of the shops and commercial establishments. Anti government slogans were heard outside DC’s office during a protest rally. Tyres were set ablaze by some near London Bridge in the city who also held rasta roko for over two hours. Traffic congestion left commuters high and dry on NH-66. The vehicles remained lined up to three kms due to the same.
When fire fighters reached the spot to avert untoward incidents, the angry protesters pelted stones at the fire van. Since policemen were posted in Kumta and Honnavar areas, when the protesters intensified their stir, there was shortage of policemen to control the situation in Karwar. Policemen were called to Karwar from their postings.
Meanwhile, protesters in Kumta damaged police vans too.
