From our special correspondent in Karwar
 
Bhatkal, Mar 30: Violence broke out in some part of the city on early 29th morning. Two groups belonging to different communities indulged in stone-pelting and arson.

Many shops have been damaged and vehicles burnt. Shamsuddin circle, old bus stand, Kidwai road and few other places are said to be the most affected areas.

Section no. 144 has been clamped in the entire city. Deputy commissioner Ritesh Kumar Singh and district superintendent of police S Ravi have visited the Makhdoom colony where persons of one religion were trying to built a place of worship, much against the wishes of another faith's followers. The contention of the latter is that there has not been a single house belonging to the other faith in the whole area and the motive of setting up the place of worship was just to create rift between two communities.

With immediate police action and additional forces being summoned from other areas, the situation is said to be under control.

Police sources told this correspondent that the place belongs to the revenue department. When, a few days ago, activists of one community started construction of a place of worship, the police arrived on the scene and sought requisite documents allowing the construction. Since they were not available, no activity was permitted. Those trying to erect the building were asked to meet the tahsildar.

At the same time, a meeting of all communities was convened on March 30 to sort out the matter. But all of a sudden, the group trying to build alleged on Wednesday that a stone that was brought for construction had been stolen and started attacking shops, vehicles etc. belonging to the other community.

The police had not anticipated such a situation and were far less in number. As the situation went out of control, many people are said to have been injured and have been admitted to the local hospital. The condition of one Jattappa Naik was quite serious and he was reportedly rushed to Mangalore for advanced attention.

With additional forces pressed into service from elsewhere, the situation on Thursday morning is reported to be normal.