Row over Hanuma Jayanti, Eid Milad flags triggers communal clash in Hosapete

Hosapete, Dec 13: Tension prevailed in the town as two communities clashed over tying flags for the Hanuma Jayanti and Eid-e-Milad celebrations on Monday.

Flags and banners were put up at the Chittawadgi Circle on the eve of Hanuma Jayanti, on Sunday night. Members of the other community tried to tie flags for Eid-e-Milad, resulting in a war of words between the two groups. When the two groups almost came to blows, local residents intervened and brokered peace.

On Monday morning, two women from different communities had a fight over the issue. People from the two groups gathered there and a clash broke out. Police rushed there and dispersed the crowds.

The police appealed to the two groups to maintain peace, but the situation continues to be tense. Shops and business establishments downed their shutters and the roads wore a deserted look.

Fresh violence in Gangavathi
An uneasy calm prevailed in Gangavathi in Koppal district on Monday, following Sunday's clash between two communities over tying buntings for their respective festivals.

A mob threw stones on the car belonging to District Superintendent of Police K?Tyagarajan.

More than 70 people have been injured in the two days of violence in the town. A total of 15 two-wheelers, eight petty shops, at least four goods carrier vehicles have been damaged in the violent incidents. Public property, including a drinking water unit, were vandalised in the mob violence. Rioters threw stones at the police, after the latter denied permission to take out a procession on the occasion of Hanuma Jayanti, injuring a few policemen. Some devotees were injured in the lathicharge. Senior police officers are camping in the town to take stock of the situation.

Also Read: Communal clashes erupt at Gangavathi after mosque stoned on Milad eve