BANGALORE, Jan 21: Hundreds of Hindu extremists burnt shops owned by Muslims and set vehicles ablaze in Bangalore, India's technology hub, on Sunday, police and witnesses said.

The violence occurred as extremists moved through the city to join a rally organised by the Hindu extremist organisation Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS — National Volunteers' Corps).

Police used teargas and batons to disperse the crowds and prohibition orders, restricting movement of four or more people together, were issued in central Bangalore. More than 2,000 police officers patrolled the affected areas as mobs targeted Muslim shops and vehicles, forcing the closure of some businesses, witnesses said.

Police said there was no injury but witnesses said about five people were wounded in stone-throwing incidents.—Reuters