BELAGAVI: Sudden stone pelting with the aim of creating tensions between communities and a prolonged battle with the police on Monday night led to the city waking up to a tense atmosphere on Tuesday. Police have rounded up 23 accused in connection to the violence.
According to eyewitnesses, at around 10.50 pm a group of miscreants suddenly started pelting stones at Khadak Galli and adjoining areas. A car and three two-wheelers were also set on fire during the violence. Several persons, including three police personnel, were injured and vehicles were damaged in the incident.
Miscreants in groups also attacked few houses and assaulted the residents. On being informed, police immediately rushed to the spot but faced a tough time bringing the situation under control as it was a planned attack.
Assistant commissioner of police Shankar Marihal was one of those injured in the clash. This is the second time the officer has been injured during crowd control in the same area. Some journalists were also injured during the incident and the camera of a photographer was also damaged.
Inspector general of police Ramchandra Rao, along with superintendent of police Ravikanthegowda, Deputy commissioner of police (Law) Seema Latkar and deputy commissioner of police Amarnath Reddy also visited the spot. Market police have registered a case.