Two held in connection with assaulting Mutalik

Two persons have been arrested and three taken into custody for questioning in connection with the attack against Sri Rama Sene founder Pramod Muthalik in Bengaluru while protesting over his outfit's agitation against celebrating Valentines Day.

"A clipping from an electronic media channel indicates the culprits belonged to the youth wing of a political party. This information is important for us and we are looking into it", Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari told reporters. He said those wishing to celebrate Valentine's day were free to do so and couples could lodge a complaint at the nearest police station if anyone prevents them.

The police have already begun a drive to prevent any untoward incidents on Valentine's Day on February 14,

he said and warned of stringent action against those who take the law into their hands. Home Minister V S Acharya, briefing reporters, said Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa would meet officials on Friday to review law and order to ensure a peaceful Valentine's Day.

Mutalik was attacked on Thursday allegedly by some youth Congress workers as he was getting ready to participate in a debate on Valentine's day, organised by a local Kannada channel. The activists barged into the event, dragged him out, blackened his face and also tried to assault him.