There was tension in Bastawad village in Belagavi district following a street fight between two linguistic groups on Wednesday evening. A group of youth who went around tying saffron flags around the village quarrelled with another group when they tried to put up a flag near a statue in the village corner.
When the situation got out of hand, a team of officers resorted to lathi-charge.
The team of officers, which rushed to the village and brought the situation under control, was led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Yashodha Wantagudi.
“Peace has returned to Bastawad. It was a minor incident and was brought under control immediately,” Police Commissioner Lokesh Kumar said.
“Our officers have held peace committee meetings with elders of both the linguistic communities. Some people have expressed concern that it could spread to other parts of the district. But that will not happen. There is no need to panic,” he said.