Five injured in Belgaum group clash

Tension prevailed at Rajahams Galli at Anagol, here on Sunday, following a clash between two groups over putting up banners on the eve of the Ganesha festival.

Five persons have been injured in the incident, four of whom have been admitted to the district civil hospital and one to the KLE Hospital.

The tussle ensued when members of one group, said to be activists of Sri Ram Sene, tried to tie flags and banners near the Beach Mohalla Ghousia Masjid, ahead of the festival beginning on Monday. Members of the other group took strong objection to this.

Heated arguments that followed resulted in a clash between the two groups. Members of both the groups attacked each other with lethal weapons, resulting in serious injuries to five persons. Senior police officials, including Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) K S R Charan Reddy, Superintendent of Police Chandra Gupta visited the spot. Police said the situation was fully under control. They have deployed additional forces and taken eight persons into custody in connection with the group clash.

Reddy visited the civil hospital and interacted with the injured. Speaking to reporters, Reddy said, “The clash between two groups broke out over the issue of displaying banners.

Additional police forces have been deployed at the spot and the situation is under control”.  The officer clarified that there was no hindrance for the celebrations as the police have made elaborate security arrangements ahead of the festival. Extra police forces, including the Rapid Action Force, have been summoned, he stated. The IGP has called upon the people to celebrate the festival with harmony.