Bangalore police's action cracks anti-Assam rumour case

19 August, 2012

While thousands flee from Bangalore on unwarranted rumours spread to cause panic - a rumour that originated from Pakistan - the Bangalore police was quick to act and captured 3 masterminds on the evening of August 18.

THE MYANMAR originated emails and photos on Rohingya refugees being sent back from entering Bangladesh agitated Pakistani ISI waiting for the mega chance to spoil the unity of India. The ISI took advantage of the recent Assam-Bodoland territory inter-community clash over land to create gains.

With political mileage as the aim, Pakistan started sending various doctored photographs and used discriminating measures to create panic by rumours across the globe against people of Assam and its adjoining six states. While large number of people from the north east fleeing Bangalore, the Karnataka Government swung into action.

The Bangalore police was quick enough to work and sorted out the crime's origin. On 18 Aug 2012, at Koramangala, acting on a tip off, DCP (South East) Dr.PS Harsha raided the mobile shop at Koramangala 7th block, named? New Fonotech?. The culprit Md. Anees Pasha (26/M) used to note the recharge mobile number of all people from the north east, and created a big database. He and his brother Md. Thaseem Nawaz (32/M) with close aide Md. Shaheed Salman Khan (22/M), decided to cause panic among people of Assam and the north east region living at Bangalore by sending bulk threatening sms/MMS shots received from Pakistan to cause deadly rumours.

Four mobiles sets, two computers and laptop were seized from them, and police is analyzing the hard disk for details of their operation mode as well link. DGP & IGP Karnataka Mr. Lalrokhuma Pachau formed a special police team under Dr Harsha to probe further an incident that might cause hate crimes in the peace-loving state of Karnataka. There are large number of beauty parlors/bars/restaurants run by people from the north east and Nepal.

There might be some other angle for the spreading of rumour, and this can't be ruled out. Meanwhile, Assam govt immediately deputed an IAS officer of the rank of State Secretary, Mr Jagannathan to Bangalore, who had a high-level meeting. He visited various spots of Bangalore, and this citizen journalist also contacted him. He expressed satisfaction at the well-mannered safety operations by the Karnataka Govt as well Bangalore Police. He left for Guwahati early this morning.

As far as south India and Karnataka are concerned, there is no cause to panic and all state governments are making their best effort to convince people of Assam and adjoining states to remain in their state. Their efforts have been welcomed by the visiting Assam Govt special secretary Mr.Jagannathan.

(I am an original resident of Assam, and ex-IAF officer)