Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Jun 13: Despite clamping of Sec 144 in Kalladka till June 16, communal clash erupted once again on Tuesday June 13 with two persons, including leader of Hindu Jagarana Vedike (HJV) and another person of a different community getting stabbed. Several shops were shut down and damage to vehicles following stone-pelting was reported.
HJV district president Ratnakar Shetty and Khaleel, son of Abusali, who were stabbed have been admitted to hospital.
After the stabbing incident on May 26, prohibitory orders were clamped on Kalladka, and over the last 15 days, police had beefed up security in the area. Despite the tight security, on Tuesday evening, HJV district president and Khaleel were stabbed. As news spread, people from two different communities gathered and pelted stones.
Also, some groups barged into shops and commercial establishments and several vehicles were also damaged. The clashing groups also pelted stones at the police, sources said.
Ratnakar Shetty has been admitted to a hospital in Puttur while Khaleel has been admitted to Thumbay hospital, it is gathered.
Following the clashes, Kalladka came to a complete shut-down. The police have deployed tight security across Bantwal taluk.
Due to the clashes, vehicular movement on the highway was affected for sometime.
Dakshina Kannada SP Bhushan G Borase and other police officers arrived at Kalladka and brought the situation under control.
Trouble erupted in Kalladka on May 26 after Mohammed Hashir, a local, was stabbed by a group of three when he and two others were returning home from the mosque after Friday prayers. The accused have been identified as Mithun, Amit and Yathin. Kalladka witnessed a forced bandh the next day and incidents of stone pelting, after which the police imposed Sec 144 until June 16.