The South East police are hunting for three people who allegedly sent an SMS to Anees Pasha, instigating attacks on people from the north-eastern states after Ramzan celebrations. Pasha (26) was arrested by the Koramangala police on Saturday.
Pasha, a resident of BTM 1st stage, who owns a mobile repair shop, New Fonotech in Koramangala VII block was arrested along with two others for allegedly spreading rumours inciting hatred and whipping up emotions against people from the north-eastern states who are living in the city, through SMS and videos. Pasha has confessed that even though he used someone else's SIM card to circulate the SMSs, the original SMS was sent to him by his friends.
He has revealed the names of few others three friends and their addresses. These men are absconding and police are searching for them, T. Suneel Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Police (law and order) told Deccan Chronicle. Mr Kumar, who refused to divulge the names, said many more people may be involved. If those who sent the SMS to Pasha are arrested, they might reveal more names.
About the five persons arrested by the Wilson Garden police, Mr Kumar said they attacked people from the north-east on the spur of the moment; it was not a planned attack. Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister R. Ashok said that security has been strengthened across the city, and the north-eastern community need not worry. Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Kadirenahalli underpass, Mr Ashok said that the rush of people returning to Assam and other north-eastern states has subsided. The state government is making efforts to bring them back here, assuring them they will be safe and secure, he added.