Belagavi: The border district of Belagavi which remained clam for a while now, witnessed an outbreak of communal tension with miscreants pelting stones and burning down vehicles on Monday late night after a clash between factions from two communities.
According to the sources, stone pelting started at Khadakagalli and Khanjaragalli for a silly reason. Within no time hundreds of youth gathered and resorted to stone pelting. The unruly situation spread even to Badakagalli, Khanjaragalli, Jalagara, Chavatagalli, Darbargalli and Bhagavangalli. Market ACP Shankara Maarihala, Inspector Prashanth Kumar, PSI Soudhagar and other two constables who arrived at the spot to control the situation suffered bruises. The miscreants even manhandled a media cameraman, who went to report.
Though ACP Shankar Maarihala wore a helmet , the stone hit right above his eye causing severe injury. He was admitted to hospital later. The tension continued in Khadebajar until 11.30 pm. Miscreants gutted many vehicles parked in front of shops and houses and the police made all attempts to put off the fire.
In Khadakagalli, preparations were being done for Mahapooja of Aiyyappa Swamy on Tuesday. As a part of this event, volunteers were busy putting up banners and buntings on Monday when confusion broke out in a gully. Later, more and more youth started heavy stone pelting. Police protection has been tightened to avoid further damage.
