Tension in Shivamogga over installation of Savarkar, Tipu portraits, one person stabbed

SHIVAMOGGA: Tension erupted in Shivamogga on Monday after two communities clashed over installation of a flex of ‘Veer’ Vinayak Damodar Savarkar at the Amir Ahmed Circle in the city. One person was also stabbed in the incident.

The flex being taken away safely.

Trouble started when members of the Muslim community attempted to remove the flex of Savarkar and put up a portrait of Tipu Sultan. The police, however refused permission. This led to tensions between the two communities.

Hindu community members sat on protest against removal of the Savarkar flex.

The police quickly intervened and removed the flex of Savarkar from the place to prevent the situation from escalating. They even directed the two communities to maintain peace.

The police resorted to mild lathicharge to control the crowds.

But Hindu community members started staging a protest against the removal of Savarkar’s portrait. Muslim youths then tried to storm the protest site, but were stopped by the police. They even resorted to mild lathicharge to bring order.

Meanwhile, one person, identified as Prem Singh (26) was stabbed by some motorcycle-borne men in Upparakeri locality. The police have imposed prohibitory orders for two days in the city.

Superintendent of Police Lakshmiprasad visited the spot. Several people have been taken into custody in connection with the incident.