As many as 30 people were injured in the incident and some of them have been shifted to Bellary for treatment.
A youth identified as Gundappa Harijan (20) stepped into a ferry to cross the river for which the operator Thimmanna demanded Rs 25. Gundappa raised objection to the fare. An enraged Thimmanna allegedly assaulted Gundappa who went back to the village and raised alarm. Members of both the communities gathered at the spot leading to group clash.
Tension prevailed at the village when several houses of dalits were ransacked. Cases of assault, dacoity and caste abuse have been registered against 44 persons of uppercaste. Thimanna has also lodged complaints against 19 persons in connection with the incident. Security has been tightened at the village.
Published 05 June 2009, 17:55 IST