Communal flare-up in Belgaum

Communal tension escalated in the city on Thursday, with more incidents of stone pelting and vehicles being set on fire in the early hours being reported in the communally sensitive areas like Chavat Galli, Khanjar Galli, Darbar Galli and Khade Bazaar.

Prohibitory orders were clamped up to Thursday midnight and more than 30 persons were arrested in connection with the incidents. House arrests continued during the day with the police searching for the miscreants. Violence had erupted following a youth from a particular community being assaulted by youths from another community over an alleged incident of ‘love jihad’ at Kelkar Bagh.

Arsonists set fire to vehicles and damaged them in the presence of police personnel who remained mute spectators. The police acted only after senior officials rushed to the spot, alleged residents. More than 10 people, including children, suffered injuries in the incidents of stone pelting. Shops and business establishments in the main market areas such as Khade Bazaar, Ganpat Galli and Shaniwar Khoot remained closed.

Eyewitnesses said that teens were instigated to throw stones at houses and hotels at Khade Bazaar. Stones rained on the shops and hotels from the Khanjar Galli side. This was followed by vehicles being damaged. Anti-socials resorted to violence after additional police forces that had been deployed in the city for maintaining law and order during the Ganesh festival had left the city.

Superintendent of Police Chandragupta said police forces from the neighbouring districts have been requisitioned and the situation has been brought under control.