Karnataka orders special probe into church attacks

The Karnataka government on Thursday ordered a probe by the elite Corps of Detectives into the series of attacks on Christian prayer halls in the state, saying it wanted an "impartial inquiry" into the communal violence.

"The government wants to ensure an impartial inquiry into the incidents of communal violence in the state and book the culprits," Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa told reporters after a Cabinet meeting.

"We expect the CoD inquiry to be completed in about two months' time," he said, adding that he was "shocked and pained" by the attacks on churches.

Yeddyurappa said he has directed the police to provide 24-hour patrolling in the cities affected by communal tension, and also provide security to places of worship particularly belonging to the minorities.

The chief minister said his government was taking all steps to ensure peace and harmony in the state, but "some anti-government forces are trying to fish in troubled waters."

Without naming opposition parties, Yeddyurappa said, "They are not only disturbing peace and tranquillity in the state, but are also trying to make use of the disturbance for their political gain. This is highly objectionable."

"This is the time to work together to restore peace and harmony and bring normalcy back in society. Instead of working towards normalcy, some people are playing politics and using the situation for their political gains," he said.

Yeddyurappa also said the police has been directed to make preventive arrests in sensitive places.