Group clashes rock Belagavi, 26 held
Many sensitive areas in the city were already under heavy security deployment during the nine-day Dasara festival.
Belagavi: Tension prevailed in Chavat Galli, Bhadakal Galli, Jalgar Galli and Kotwal Galli, all located in the heart of city, after two groups of youths indulged in stone throwing on Tuesday night. The police arrested 26 people, including two corporators, on Wednesday. These areas had witnessed similar clashes a few months ago.
According to sources the clashes took place following the hoisting of a flag in Darbar Galli on Tuesday night, as part of Muharram. Another group hoisted a different coloured flag in protest, which led to clashes.
On Tuesday many vehicles parked in the trouble-hit areas were damaged due to stone throwing and even police vehicles were not spared by the miscreants.
Several KSRP and DAR platoons and a large contingent of police were deployed in all trouble-torn areas since Tuesday night. Many sensitive areas in the city were already under heavy security deployment during the nine-day Dasara festival.
The police are interrogating the 26 people, including the two corporators, Muzammil Doni and Matin Shaikh, to ascertain the reasons that led to the violence.
Several BJP leaders, headed by Belagavi Member of Parliament Suresh Angadi, visited the affected areas and met the residents. They urged the police to release some of the youths arrested on Tuesday night as they were innocent.
It may be recalled that the previous stone-throwing incident took place on May 27, when a team of police officials entered Jalgar Galli in search of some youths accused of fomenting group clashes. Many police personnel got injured and there was large scale destruction of vehicles and property.
Since then, the police had held meeting with all local leader and tightened security in sensitive areas.