Four policemen among those hurt in clashes; 21 held

Kasargod, Jan 19: Four policemen were injured when a mob threw stones when they tried to take into custody a man for creating trouble during a music programme held in connection with a festival at Kanipura Sri Gopalakrishna Temple at Kumbla early on Friday.

Several people were injured when the police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the mob.

Tension ran high as the policemen tried to lift a man, said to be in inebriated condition, as he created trouble during the music programme at the Government Higher Secondary School grounds in the town around 1.30 a.m.

As the police took him into custody, a group of people, numbering over 50, entered into an altercation with the police.

In the melee that followed, the mob threw stones at the police personnel in which four policemen, including Additional Sub-Inspector M.P. Surendran and Manjeswaram Sub-Inspector K. Bijulal, sustained injures.

Mr. Surendran, who suffered facial injuries, was admitted to a hospital in Mangalore.

As many as 21 persons were arrested in connection with the incident, the police said.

Those arrested were remanded in judicial custody after they were produced before a court here on Friday.

Cases under Section 308 (murder attempt) of the Indian Penal Code had been registered against the arrested persons, they said.