MLA for Narasimharaja and former Minister Tanveer Sait on Thursday said he has asked the police not to bother innocents while investigating the case in connection with the trouble outside the Udayagiri police station and added that the police have a free hand to act against those involved in the incident.

“My only appeal to the police is just to ensure that the innocents are not put to hardships. I have requested them to find out the culprits. There is no point in analysing the incident now. Nobody is bigger than the law, and the police will take action as per the law,” he told reporters.

While stating that the police investigation into the stone-pelting incident will not be questioned at all, the MLA said the police have to bring to book the people who incited trouble.

“I have asked a team of advocates to aid those arrested in the case. The parents come to us and tell us that their children are innocent. If anybody has done wrong, action will be taken as per the law. The advocates will look into the cases where the parents argue their children are innocents,” the MLA said.

Mr. Sait said there was a delay in registering an FIR over a derogatory social media post though the complaint was filed in the morning.

“I have sought a report on the behaviour of the cops when the people went to the police station to complain. Also, what triggered the trouble (outside the station) when the accused in the case was arrested needs to be seen. However, there was no delay in arresting the accused over the post,” the former Minister said.

The MLA said he has no information on the people reportedly arrested in connection with the incident.

“I do not want to respond to the statements made by the Ministers or others on the Udayagiri incident,” the MLA said when his reaction was sought to the statements of Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna and KPCC Spokesperson M. Lakshman.

Mr. Sait said he has sought another police station for the locality considering Udayagiri’s population. “I am not making this demand now but for the last five years. The locality needs another police station.”