Communal clashes rip through secular fabric of Belagavi city

Belagavi: Violent group clashes recurring in Belagavi city for the last few years have taken their toll on people as many residents in all sensitive areas of city continue to live in fear of intermittent clashes. All these years, the police officials have not only failed to contain violence, but are also unwilling to arrest some of the local leaders and anti-social elements who instigated people to resort to violent activities.

Fresh communal clashes took place on Monday night at Khadak Galli and left several people injured, besides damage to properties and vehicles.

A top police officer from Belagavi investigating the incident said that clashes always took place between different groups in the city over rumours of communal hatred being spread by anti-social elements. “Two different communities clashed in Khadak Galli following rumours that a section of corporators were putting pressure on the City Corporation for removal of a grave situated at Khanjar Galli, an area located adjacent to Khadak Galli,'' he said.

“We are still not clear whether this rumour triggered violence or there is any other reason for it. According to preliminary investigations, we also found that a group of youth from a minority community began pelting stones and bottles indiscriminately on houses and vehicles and then another group from a different community hurled stones and bottles in Khadak Galli,'' he said.

Investigating officers feel that the clash may have occurred due to the instigation of some local anti-social elements and leaders.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, A.S. Hulasgund said, based on specific information, 14 people including corporator from Ward 35, Muzamil Doni have been arrested over Khadak Galli violence. He said the clash occurred only after false rumours were spread by miscreants.

The location of many communally-sensitive areas in one part of city surrounding Khadebazaar has made it difficult for the police to prevent groups from clashing frequently. Youth from two different communities turned violent when stones fell on their houses. In a fit of anger, many came out of their houses and retaliated by throwing stones and bottles on the other side.

Another police officer said, both communities have cordial relations in Belagavi city and the peaceful 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi is an example to it. "Lakhs of people throng Belagavi to witness 350 Ganesh idols placed in most of localities in Belagavi.