Provocative speech triggers communal clash in Belagavi

Belagavi: A few weeks after communal violence at Khadak Galli created tension, another communal clash broke out at Khanapur and Londa on Saturday, over provocative speech delivered by leaders of pro-Hindu outfits at a Dharma Sabha at Londa near Belagavi.

A group of people who objected to the speeches threw stones triggering a fierce clash. People from two different communities destroyed several properties and vehicles in Londa and Khanapur.

Additional Superintendent of Police Ravindra Gadadi said that 42 people were arrested and were produced before a local court. Many leaders of Sri Ram Sena and other pro-Hindu outfits were among the arrested. Cases have been filed against them for allowing a provocative speech at the Dharma Sabha.

A large number of people had gathered near the civil court in Khanapur expecting their leaders to be released on bail. But when the court rejected their bail petitions, hundreds of these supporters threw stones at vehicles and shops, damaged properties and injured many shopkeepers. The stone-throwing incident lasted several hours.

After the news spread, people from the other community too threw stones at shops and vehicles in Khanapur. The miscreants barged into shops and threw materials out on Station Road, Bazar Pet, Basaveshwar Circle and surrounding areas. Some miscreants also threw soda bottles on roads.

When a small police team deployed at the spot could not bring the situation under control, additional forces were rushed to the town and the situation was brought under control. Cases were filed against all the 42 arrested by the Khanapur police.

All top police officials from Belagavi, including IGP Umesh Kumar and SP Ravi Kantegowda, visited Khanapur. Additional police force has been deployed both in Londa and Khanapur to ensure law and order.

Those arrested included Sri Ram Sena's Pandit Ogale, Maruti Sutar and Ramakant Konduskar, and BJP leader Baburao Desai.