3 injured in communal clashes in Karnataka’s Kerur; 10 people detained

Prohibitory orders under Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) Section 144 were imposed in Karnataka’s Kerur village near Bagalkote on Wednesday evening (July 6) after three persons were injured in clashes between two groups of different communities.

The clash broke out at a bus stand over a petty issue that turned into a communal clash when both the warring parties tried to set a vegetable cart and a bike on fire, according to a Times of India report on Thursday.

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According to Bagalkote Deputy Commissioner P Sunil Kumar, police have detained 10 people in connection with the incident and are interrogating them. The district administration declared a holiday on Thursday for schools and colleges.

“Three persons, including members from Hindu Jagaran Vedike, have sustained stab injuries. They have been shifted to a private hospital for treatment in Bagalkot and are said to be out of danger,” the report added quoting sources.

During the incident, some shops, a pushcart, and vehicles were set on fire by a group of miscreants in the market area, local reports said.

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“At present, the situation is under control and peaceful in Kerur,” said a senior police officer.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said it was a “personal fight” and police immediately brought the situation under control.

“Yesterday, there was a personal fight. The police immediately controlled the situation. Some persons have been arrested and the injured hospitalised,” Bommai told reporters.

“Directions have been issued for both communities to maintain peace. We have clamped Section 144 (prohibitory orders). The deputy commissioner and other area officers will be there to oversee the situation. We’ve given instructions to both communities to maintain peace,” Bommai added.