The Tipu Jayanti celebration organised by the State government through the Department of Kannada and Culture was marked by protest and defacement of a poster depicting Tipu Sultan’s image, leading to sudden tension here on Thursday.
A group of BJP youth leaders and workers led by city president Anil Benke staged a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office only to be taken into preventive custody by the police immediately. While the celebration was in progress at Kumar Gandharva Rangamandir, some mischievous elements defaced with black paint the image of Tipu Sultan erected at Sangolli Rayanna Circle (also known as RTO Circle) in the afternoon.
However, the police officials rushed to the spot and took out the poster, even as a Muslim cleric rushed to spot and staged a protest.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) G. Radhika has put all the police officials on alert and instructed them to step up patrolling in communally sensitive areas of Khadak Galli, Bhadkal Galli, Khanjar Galli, Darbar Gall, Shetty Galli and adjoining areas falling under Market Police Station limits besides those areas falling in Khade Bazaar Police Station limits..
