BAGALKOT: A minor dispute turned into a group clash in which three people were stabbed and another injured at Kerur town in Badami taluk on Wednesday evening.
The injured Arun and Lakshman Kattimani and Yamanur Chungina have been shifted to a private hospital in Bagalkot while Bandenawaz Gokak (55), who sustained head injuries, was admitted to a hospital in Kerur and later shifted to KIMS, Hubballi. One two-wheeler was burnt and some others damaged.
The local authorities have clamped prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC till 8 pm on Friday.
A holiday has been declared for schools and colleges while a large posse of policemen have been deployed to maintain law and order.
According to Bagalkot SP Jaiprakash, the clashes broke out over a minor issue due to old rivalry and teasing of a girl. Four cases have been registered in connection with the incident and 18 people have been taken in custody. Teams have been formed to arrest the others involved, he said.
The SP added that five batallions of the IRB and additional police officers have been deployed in Kerur and other sensitive places.