Karnataka: 18 arrested after clashes broke out between two groups in Bagalkot

Bagalkote, July 7: Bagalkot district police have arrested 18 people from both communities after clashes broke out between two groups at Keruru town in Bagalkot district of Karnataka on Wednesday. Vehicles were set ablaze and members of the two communities hurled stones at each other during the incident that took place in Kerur town.

Prohibitory orders have been clamped in Keruru town and large gatherings have been banned till Friday following violent clashes between two communities over eve teasing, authorities said.

The clashes broke out on Wednesday evening leaving four persons injured including two brothers over eve teasing in Keruru under Badami Taluk, Bagalkote SP SP Jayaprakash told reporters.

Later, arson and vandalism started due to which the main market area of the town was shut.

"We have taken 18 people in our custody in connection with the group clash and registered four cases. The Badami Tahsildar has imposed prohibitory orders till 8 pm tomorrow," he added. He also said that a hunt is on for a few other accused involved in the case.

The injured persons have been admitted to the hospital where their condition is said to be stable.

Schools and colleges have been closed till Friday after the administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC, officials said.

Jayaprakash said the clash took place due to eve teasing. The police official appealed to the people to cooperate and not to take law into their hands.

"The case is only related to eve teasing and no false information should be spread through social media," the SP cautioned.

Jayaprakash also said five India Reserved Battalions and additional police officers have been deployed in the affected areas to maintain law and order.