The Karnataka government in response to a central advisory, on Friday, ordered a judicial probe into attacks on churches and the subsequent communal violence that erupted in parts of the state.

The judicial probe will be headed by a retired high court judge, said Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa after inaugurating a development project in Ankola in Uttara Kannada district.

The Home Ministry had asked the Karnataka government through the advisory to take all possible steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, provide protection to members of all communities, their property and institutions and to restore a sense of security and confidence among them.
    
In this context, the state government had been advised to take strict action against elements indulging in violence, vandalism and to bring them to justice in a swift and effective manner.
    
The state government had also been asked to take necessary preventive measures including apprehension of anti-social elements and check any other activities which may lead to further untoward incidents and violence.