Karnataka terror plot: Aim was to disturb peace, says Deputy CM

Bangalore: Disturbing communal harmony by attacking right-wing leaders and a few individuals was the motive of the terror suspects arrested by the Bangalore police on August 29, said Deputy Chief Minister R Ashok. In an interaction with Express on Monday, Ashok, who is also the Home Minister, said the accused wanted to carry out their mission with an aim to create a law-andorder problem in the state. Ashok also did not rule out the possibility of the suspects aiming to execute their plan during the Ganesha festival, which is celebrated on a large scale in Hubli and Belgaum.

Asserting the police have a watertight case with evidence to prove charges against those arrested, the Minister said the arrests had been made after gathering information over a period of a few months. “It is not an ordinary case. Their network is spread all over the country. I have given a free hand to the police and have complete faith that they will provide evidence before the court to prove the charges,” he said. He, however, said it was not right to brand anyone on mere suspicion.

Commending the state police for the “good work” done by busting the terror module, Ashok said they have been working in close coordination with the Central agencies and the Hyderabad police. It was the Hyderabad police who provided vital information that led to the arrests, he said.

Disturbing communal harmony by attacking right-wing leaders and a few individuals was the motive, R Ashok said.

Asked whether the state would transfer the case to Central agencies as it had inter-state ramifications, Ashok replied in the negative and said: “It’s a lawand- order problem and will be dealt with by the state. However, our police are working with Central agencies.” He also said the coastal forces have been put on high alert following the arrests.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)