Five injured in communal clash

A day before Eid Milad, communal violence at Chandavar in Honnavar taluk on Friday over temporary installation of replica of Prophet's tomb left five people injured.

As a precautionary measure, the police have taken over 25 people into preventive custody and have deployed additional forces at sensitive and hyper sensitive areas.

Situation continues to be tense, though it is under control, said the police.

Kamalakar Naik, who sustained head injuries, is being treated at a hospital. Naik is stated to be serious, but out of danger.

A peace committee meeting organised by the police recently had adopted a resolution against temporary installation of replica of Prophet's tomb within 20 metres radius of Chandavar circle.

A few youths violated the resolution and attempted to unfurl the green colour flag. As the news spread, a group of people rushed there and installed a pole with a saffron colour flag which led to tension, said the police.

Soon, a large number of people gathered at the circle. Situation went out of control after BJP leader Suraj Naik came to the circle and claimed that a few miscreants had stoned his car at Sultankere.

Sensing the danger, the police directed people to move away from the circle, but there was response to the direction. The police caned the mob to control situation.

The police clarified that there has been no complaint over the incident.