Two groups clash over proposed construction of milk union building on temple land

HASSAN: Two groups clashed at Shanavinakuppe village in Arkalgud taluk on Monday over alleged encroachment of temple land. Following the incident, police have been deployed in the village to prevent escalation of tensions.

The panchayat development officer of the gram panchayat had issued an e-khata for construction of a women’s mik producers cooperative union building on land belonging to the Anjaneya Swami temple. On Monday, the taluk panchayat executive officer, along with the police, visited the village to inspect the land.

However, one group insisted that the land be reserved for the temple fair and other cultural and religious activities while another group sided with the officials. This led to the two groups exchanging blows and the temporary shed of the milk union was pulled down.

The incident occurred in Arkalgud police limits and additional police personnel have been deployed in the village as a precautionary measure.