Warring groups block firemen's way

Staff of the Fire and Emergency Services had a tough time in extinguishing the fire at a scrap plastic unit in Vinobha Nagar, off JC Road, on Monday as two warring groups prevented them from reaching the spot.

An accidental fire broke out when two local groups were clashing with each other following the murder of T Kumar, who was killed in a gang war on Saturday at Cement Colony, off JC Road.

Though the fire brigade staff rushed to area, the clashing groups blocked their way at the entrance of Vinobha Nagar Colony.

The Kalasipalya police reached the spot and resorted to mild lathicharge to disperse the unruly crowd and to facilitate the fire personnel in putting out the blaze.

More fire tenders

B Ramaswamy, regional fire officer said: “Additional vehicles were pressed into service as we feared that fire might have engulfed other areas as we could not reach the spot on time due to the road block.”  The police arrested a few people and brought the situation under control. Security has been heightened in the area.