Mangaluru bomb incident a farce, says HD Kumaraswamy

MANGALURU/CHIKKAMAGALURU: Former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy said the Mangaluru bomb incident was a farce and the entire episode of defusing the device seemed like a mock exercise.
He told reporters on Tuesday that it looked like police did a mock exercise, which is usually conducted during Independence Day and Republic Day events. He said the bag found at Mangaluru International Airport on Monday contained powder used for manufactuing crackers."It was not a live bomb," he said.
After meeting police commissioner PS Harsha at MLC BM Farooq's house, he said, "He (Harsha) explained about the incident. However, I cannot disclose it all now. He brought to my notice some information. He said he has no role in it. Let's see what facts come to light." He lashed out at the government, saying the episode was created to appease some organisations. "There was no live bomb. It was a conspiracy to create a rift between two communities. I haven't woven stories, but am quoting stories in the media. Reports of 10kg of explosives caused panic," he said, adding an iron box contained cracker powder and wire pieces and there were no detonators to explode it.
Earlier, Kumaraswamy interacting with media in Sringeri, suspected police involvement in the scare and accused the government of using police to placate a community.
Reacting to the alle gations, BJP accused him of doing "appeasement politics". "He doubted surgical strikes, he releas ed doc tored CDs to show peace ful protestors didn't indulge in violence Now he is blaming police for the live bomb defused in Mangaluru. Is there no end to appeasement politics by former CM Kumaraswamy? Why cry for jihadis?'' the state BJP unit tweeted. Dakshina Kannada BJP district president Sanjeeva Matandoor said Kumaraswamy should undergo narcoanalysis as he has been doubting Mangaluru police.
'Serious investigation'
PS Harsha said: "I interacted with the ex-chief minister when he landed in Mangaluru...It's nothing more than a security visit as the ex-CM is also a protectee. We had a brief interaction about the current scenario and I appealed for the cooperation of everyone in maintening law and order. Mangaluru police are investigating the recovered material which was subsequently disposed of and have made progress on leads... This is a very serious investigation and I appeal to all leaders of society to take a responsible stand.