Puducherry: A group of unidentified persons allegedly damaged some glass panes of a mosque near Puducherry, prompting Chief Minister V Narayanasasmy to order a probe on Monday.
“We will handle such situations with iron hand as Puducherry’s reputation of being a peaceful state should not suffer any setback,” he told reporters here after visiting the mosque at Orleanpet which was allegedly attacked last night. “We will not hesitate to invoke provisions of Goondas Act against those fomenting trouble and instigating communal clashes,” he said.
On Sunday, a public meeting was organised by the Hindu Munnani near the mosque. After the meeting got over, some people allegedly damaged the glass panes on the ground and first floors of the mosque. Narayanasamy said he has asked police to intensify the investigations and arrest those involved.
There was a standing instruction to police that no outfit should be given permission to hold public meetings in the vicinity of Hindu temples, churches or mosques. The Puducherry Chief Minister said he has asked the DGP S K Gautam to find out how permission was granted to the Munnani for the meeting despite the standing instruction.
Meanwhile, a spokesman of the Hindu Munnani Sunil Kumar claimed that they got permission from police to hold the meeting.
He told PTI that when the meeting was in progress an unidentified person hurled a bottle from a corner, targetting the stage and also its functionary from Tamil Nadu who was speaking.
The bottle hit the electric bulb on the stage and the broken pieces of glass hit three persons sitting close to the stage and they were treated for injuries at the government hospital, he said, adding, a complaint has been filed with police.
The person who hurled the bottle took to his heels and he was yet to be identified, he said. Police confirmed receipt of complaints from the Munnani and the mosque, adding, investigations were on.
PTI