Hubballi violence: Youth who posted objectionable WhatsApp status arrested

Hubballi: Police said they have arrested the youth who posted an objectionable WhatsApp status message that led to the mob violence in the Old Hubli area on Saturday night. Several others who were part of the unruly mob were also detained, police added.

A mob of hundreds of people suddenly gathered outside the Old Hubli Police station and went berserk on late Saturday night. As the mob started to pelt stones, police had to resort to lathi-charge and tear gas shelling to disperse the unruly mob. Five police personnel including an inspector were reportedly injured in the incident.

As per reports, the mob targeted public properties, including police jeeps, hospitals, and also temples. Stones were also pelted at houses, and shops in the vicinity of the police station.

Following the incident, section 144 has been in operation throughout the city.

There is a sense of eerie calm in the city residents, with heavy police patrols visible throughout the city.