Clashes Break Out in Bijapur

A group clash broke out when thousands of BJP workers were taking out a rally to celebrate Narendra Modi's swearing-in on Monday evening.

BIJAPUR: A group clash broke out when thousands of BJP workers were taking out a rally to celebrate Narendra Modi's swearing-in on Monday evening.

Police said the rally, led by BJP leader Bsanagouda Patil Yatnal, was being taken out from Siddeshwar temple to Basveshawar Circle.

However, trouble started when the rally was passing through Gandhi Chowk market, which is dominated by minorities, as BJP workers were throwing gulal and playing the song Banayenge hum Mandir. 

It is said that this enraged the youths from the minority community who retaliated by throwing fruits at the BJP workers. Soon, a full-blown clash ensued with both sides throwing stones and fruits at each other.

Police personnel, who were deployed there in fair numbers, remained mute spectators as the mayhem continued for half-an-hour till additional forces reached the place.

Section 144 under CrPC was clamped in the city which will remain in force for three days.

Even after the prohibitory orders, large groups of people moved around in the area. Media personnel were also hassled.

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The New Indian Express
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