Normalcy has returned to parts of the old city that witnessed a disturbance on Monday night in Belagavi.
The heavy police presence and the arrest of 27 on suspicion of involvement in stone-pelting ensured that peace returned to places like Khadak Galli, Khanjar Galli, Chavat Galli, Jalagar Galli and nearby areas in the old city. Most of the arrested were between 18-25 years of age, the police said.
Vehicles set on fire
Stone-pelting was reported from these areas before midnight on Monday.
A four-wheeler, an autorickshaw and two two-wheelers were set on fire. Some threw stones and bottles on shops and houses. Some window panes and roof tiles were damaged.
Assistant Commissioner of police Shankar Marihal and Circle Inspector Prashant Kumar were injured in the pelting. The police had to fire tear gas shells to quell the mob. A team of fire fighters was summoned to douse the fire engulfing the vehicles.
Later, at a peace committee meeting at the Police Commissioner’s office, leaders of various groups accused each other of igniting the violence.
One group complained that a quarrel over erecting a pandal for Swami Ayyappa Pooja led to the stone-pelting.
However, some residents of the Old City refuted the allegation. They complained that the troublemakers were outsiders and erecting the pandal was not an issue.
