Ten people were taken into custody on Thursday in Belagavi, Karnataka, following a violent game of gully cricket that injured eight people, including a police officer, and raised tensions in the community.
Around five o’clock on Thursday, two groups of young people made the decision to play gully cricket in Shahpur, Belagavi’s Anawala Lane, according to the police. The groups quarreled shortly after, which escalated into a brawl during which stones were hurled.
A local captured a video of a group of young men pushing and shouting at each other as they run across the streets and locals duck into their houses.
A police car is approaching the scene when a woman who is standing in the middle of the lane is thrown a machete, according to a CCTV footage. Locals point to the machete on the ground when a policeman gets out of the car.
Although they claim to have the situation under control, the police have increased security in the area. Officers have been stationed to prevent tension from rising once more.
At a nearby hospital, those injured—including a police constable—are receiving medical attention. The area is under high alert as the Commissioner of Police arrived. Police are currently reviewing all of the local CCTV footage and have issued a warning against circulating rumors regarding the altercation.
“From both sides, around eight people in all have been admitted to the hospital. We are examining the CCTV footage and depending on what has transpired. According to the footage, we will take action. We have spoken to the leaders in the region. They have also extended cooperation to maintain peace,” Iada Martin Marbaniang, Commissioner of Police, Belagavi said.
Two cases have been registered at the Shahupur police station against 27 people from the two groups for unlawful assembly, rioting, attempted murder and promoting enmity between groups.
