Belgaum remains tense: 29 arrested

Bengaluru: More than 29 have been arrested following group clashes on Monday night, as the city continued to be tense for the past one week. The clashes reportedly erupted after derogatory remarks were made about Chhatrapati Shivaji and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray on a social networking site on June 1.

The clashes on Monday night mainly concentrated in areas around Khadebazaar. At least 10 vehicles and many houses were damaged in stone-throwing, forcing the police to impose prohibitory orders under Section 144. At Khadak Galli, a group of around 20 youths came on bikes and pelted stones on shops and residential localities late on Monday night, sparking panic in surrounding areas.

According to sources, bricks and soda bottles were also thrown by them. About 10 persons sustained injuries in stone-throwing and one of them was admitted to hospital with serious injuries. District in-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi said 13 cases have been registered in connection with violence and measures are being taken to maintain law and order in affected areas.

He also held a meeting of top officials and urged them to initiate stringent action against the guilty. The Minister appealed to the people not to believe in rumours and maintain peace.