Police on vigil as tension mounts in Bantwal

Police have deployed tight security in Bantwal taluk in Dakshina Kannada district in the wake of reports that Hindu outfits were planning a protest against the murder attempt on an RSS activist in Bantwal town on July 4.
Prohibitory orders are in force in four taluks of the district after the RSS activist Sarath was stabbed by a group of unidentified assailants at BC Road in Bantwal.
Sarath, who was critically injured, is under treatment at a city hospital.
Police said they are closely watching the actions of Hindu outfits who were reportedly planning a protest and also frequent incidents of attacks against members of the Hindu community in the district.

Police said they had been repeatedly warning people not to form crowds, organise meetings and other functions.
However, workers of Hindu outfits numbering over a thousand were seen present at various places along the BC Road this morning.

Police personnel have been deployed all along the town to check untoward incidents.
Inspector General (Western range) Harishekaran and district superintendent of police Sudhir Kumar Reddy are camping in the area to monitor the situation.
BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje and local Hindu leaders and workers have gathered at various places including Puttur, Sullia, Belthangady and Bantwal where prohibitory orders are in force.