Bengaluru, 12 Sept

The Karnataka government transferred Thimmaiah, Additional Superintendent of Police of Mandya, police sources said on Friday. The transfer was allegedly over "internal security lapses".

The transfer is seen to be from the fallout of the communal flare-up in Maddur, when stones were being pelted at Ganesha immersion procession on Sunday (7 September). Police arrested 22 people while hunt is on for seven others.

The BJP picked up the matter and staged a massive demonstration on Wednesday and Thursday in Maddur town. 

Speaking to reporters here, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over alleged provocative speeches by MLC CT Ravi and MLA Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) in Maddur, following the stone pelting incident.

Justifying the police action, Parameshwara said that the BJP leaders spoke in "frenzy".

He told reporters, "After CT Ravi, an FIR has also been filed against MLA Yatnal (Basanagouda R Patil Yatnal). From the beginning, we have been saying not to politicise this issue. Police action will be taken against whoever acts against the law. Be it a Muslim or a Hindu, if stones are pelted, the Police will act. This should be left to the police."

Condemning the speeches by Ravi and Patil, he said, "But BJP leaders went there and made provocative speeches -- this is not right. They spoke in a frenzy and used words that should not have been used. What have they achieved by doing this? All this is being done by the BJP only for political purposes."

Further, justifying the transfer of ASP Thimmaiah in connection with the Maddur violence in Mandya, the Home Minister said that the department took action after internal security lapses were found.

"Internal security lapses were found, and when lapses in security occur, the department has to take action. Whether it is an Inspector or a Sub-Inspector, if lapses are found, action must be taken. The department views internal security lapses seriously, and that is why action has been taken. Senior officials of the Department collect information internally before taking action. I do not sit here and make such decisions myself," he told reporters.

According to officials, Ravi delivered an inflammatory speech on Wednesday during a Ganapati immersion program in Maddur. The police allege that the speech was provocative and capable of inciting hatred between communities.

The suo motu case was filed by Maddur Police based on a complaint by Sub-Inspector Manjunath. The complaint states that while addressing participants of the procession through a microphone, Ravi made remarks targeting the Muslim community.