DAVANAGERE: Tension prevailed in Davanagere city on Thursday night, after stones were pelted by two groups during the Ganesha idol immersion procession.
Following the clash, the police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowd. The police have deployed additional personnel at the sites of the skirmist. Reserve police units from Haveri and Shivamogga districts are camping in the city and conducted patrolling throughout the night.
The police personnel had to use flexes and signboards to protect themselves from the stone-pelting. The incident occurred near Aralimara Circle, KR Road and other areas, with miscreants pelting stones at the police and houses. Over 20 people have been arrested. The situation is under control, but residents are in fear and staying indoors.
Davangere Superintendent of Police Uma Prashant said precautionary measures have been taken to prevent any untoward incident from recurring. More than 10 police vehicles have been parked near the mosque here and tight security has been provided, she said.
Stone were pelted during the Ganesha idol immersion procession on Thursday night near Aralimara Circle in the city and later at KR Road, Hamsabavi Circle, KR Market, Bamboo Bazaar Road and Mattikallu area. The miscreants continued to pelt stones despite the police arriving on the scene immediately.
A group of 60 to 70 youth pelted stones in several parts of Mattikallu, Anekonda and damaged vehicles parked in front of houses. The incident has created an atmosphere of fear with some houses being locked and the residents moving to safer places. Locals haave expressed outrage over the action against the miscreants.
The police have so far arrested more than 20 people from both groups and patrolling was conducted in Old Davanagere the whole night. Superintendent of Police Uma Prashant said, “The procession was moving peacefully till Aralimara Circle. There, a group of youths pelted stones at the procession. Police are taking atmost care to prevent recurrence of any such incident. The situation is under control now”.