Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Aug 18: The probe into the Bengaluru riots which claimed four lives and injured many including the policemen, took a new turn on Monday August 17. In a significant development, a terror link to the incident was found. A person identified as Samiuddin, who was in contact with 'Al-Hind' terrorist organization, was arrested by the central crime branch police.

Samiuddin happens to be a resident of Nagarbavi here. He had joined hands with Muzammil Pasha of SDPI, who has emerged as the main accused in the disturbances. The police have got information that he had a role in organizing protests, hatching conspiracy, and causing disturbances. The Devara Jeevanhalli (DJ Halli) violence is likely to be handed over the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as Samiuddin may have links with the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its political offshoot – the Social Democratic Front of India (SDPI), informed a reliable source close to the investigation team.

DJ Halli police station after the riots (file photo)

In the meanwhile, Wajid, JD(S) president for Pulikeshi Nagar assembly constituency, whom the police were searching, was arrested on Monday. It is said that he had joined hands with Muzammil Pasha in the disturbances. His arrest reportedly has given rise to fear among JD(S) workers.

The department is likely to open rowdy sheets in the names of over 60 accused. A team of special prosecutors is being formed for faster hearing. Pulakeshinagar MLA Akhanda Srinivas Murthy, met the chief minister on Monday and demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The government also decided to approach the high court seeking to appoint a claim commissioner so that the loss to public property caused by the rioters would be collected from them.