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Mangalore violence toll rises to seven

The toll in police firing in South Canara district of Karnataka rose to seven today with the death of one person as communal clashes spread in the area. More companies of the Rapid Action Force and the Central Reserve Police Force were deployed and the situation is reportedly returning to normal.

The violence began because of alleged police inaction on an eve-teasing complaint in Suratkal, a town near Mangalore.

More than 60 people, five of them yesterday, were injured in different incidents. Police rounded up scores of known trouble-makers.

No fresh incident was reported since last night, Director General of Police T Srinivasulu, who is camping in Mangalore, said.

Srinivasulu said curfew was relaxed for about six hours till 1.30am IST today and no incidents were reported in that period. Even in Mangalore, where prohibitory orders are in force, no incidents were reported.

The DGP said one of the injured had died of his bullet wounds, taking the toll in police firing to three. Four others died of stab wounds.

An adequate police force has been deployed in the troubled areas and it is not taking any chances, he said. Twenty-one persons have been arrested in connection with the incidents and nearly 75 had been taken into preventive custody.

A four-member ministerial team deputed by Chief Minister J H Patel held a peace meeting in Suratkal yesterday and appealed to the people to maintain peace and communal harmony.

Meanwhile, former chief minister M Veerappa Moily and Leader of the Opposition in the assembly Mallikarjuna Kharge condemned the incidents. A Congress team will visit the trouble-torn areas on Sunday.

Elected representatives demanded deployment of more forces in the district as shortage of police personnel had resulted in the violence spreading.

Meanwhile, a report from Mangalore said the district administration had made arrangements for distribution of essential commodities through mobile vans in Suratkal, which is now facing a food shortage.

An uneasy calm prevailed in Mangalore city. Shops and business establishments opened, but educational institutions remained closed. City bus services were also running.

EARLIER REPORT:
Violence spreads in South Canara

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