Mysore, Thursday 2 July 2009: Three people were killed on Thursday in clashes over the desecration of a mosque in this Karnataka city.

The three - Zubaiullah (15), Yasir (35) and Tirupati (40) - died of stab wounds following the clash in the Udayagiri suburb of Mysore, about 140 km from the state capital Bangalore.

Tensions erupted over the desecration of the Alima mosque in Kyathamaranahalli locality when worshippers found the carcass of a swine, according to police.

“The situation is tense but under control,” Udayagiri sub-inspector M. Srikanth said.

“To avert further clashes and maintain peace, we have banned the assembling of people under Section 144 of the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) in the area covering Udayagiri, Mandi and Narasimha Raja civic limits,” Srikanth said.

Police fired teargas shells and caned the mob that gathered at the mosque as word spread about the incident.

“We have registered a case of unlawful act in a place of worship and hope to book the culprits soon,” the inspector said.

Of the three stabbing victims, Zubaillah succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
(Agency)