Mangaluru : The Vishwa Hindu Parishat (VHP) on Tuesday demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into all communal clashes in Dakshina Kannada district alleging that the Congress had a role to play in many such incidents.

VHP Pranth Pramukh M.B. Puranik told reporters here that the video-clippings that show Mr. Rai instructing the Superintendent of Police to arrest Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat is a proof for the charge.

Minor clashes between individuals have been taking communal colour for several years and the video goes to show that the Minister might be behind such flare-ups. Unfortunately, it is always either the VHP or the Bajrang Dal that were being blamed for every such communal clash, he regretted.

Mr. Puranik said that the Minister’s instructions were direct interference in police work, which is being done to appease a particular community for political gains. Being in public life for many years, Mr. Rai should not have talked lightly about Mr. Bhat who has been rendering invaluable service to society.

The VHP would support the June 24 protest of the BJP at B.C. Road, Mr. Puranik said. He noted that the protest is being organised against “love jihad”, attack on temples, illegal cow transportation and slaughter and such other “vindictive” actions against Hindus.

VHP provincial secretary Krishnamurthy, district secretary Gopal Kuttar, Bajrang Dal leader Sharan Pampwell, district convener Bhujanga Kulal, Praveen Kuttar and Puneet Kumar were also present.