HUBBALLI: Eight persons were injured in a clash between two groups over bursting firecrackers during a traditional bull-running event held as part of the Kaar Hunnime festival at Naregal village of Hangal taluk in Haveri district on Monday. Haveri SP Yashoda Vantagodi said police intervened and brought the situation to normalcy. The injured are under treatment at various hospitals.
The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Adur police station, where decorated bulls were released as part of the Kaar Hunnime celebrations. Of the nine victims, three seriously injured persons – Lohith, Jayappa and Shivraj – have been admitted to KIMS Hospital in Hubballi, while three others – Ningappa, Mallappa and Nagappa – are undergoing treatment at the Haveri District Hospital. No arrests have been made so far.
Vantagodi said, “We visited the spot and reviewed the situation. The village is calm, and there is no situation of fear or tension. Tight police security has been deployed.”
“We also spoke to leaders from both sides and advised them to maintain peace. No one is supporting those involved in the violence. The exact cause of the incident is yet to be established.
Prima facie, it appears to have been triggered by a personal dispute and the trigger was the bursting of firecrackers. Once a complaint is filed, legal action will be taken against those responsible. Six people from one group and two from the other sustained injuries,” she added.
One of the injured persons said, “We were taking our bull to participate in the Kaar Hunnime celebrations. At that time, another group was already quarrelling among themselves. The bull we were leading suddenly broke free and ran toward them. When one of our boys went to restrain the bull, some people in that group assaulted him.”
BJP state President BY Vijyendra visited the village and spoke to the families of injured persons. He demanded early arrest of the accused.
Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a heinous act and an attempt to disturb communal harmony.
