Over a dozen persons and a police officer were injured in what may be a planned attack by a section resulting in the midnight clash between two groups in Khadak galli, Khanjar galli, Badkal galli, Khi galli and adjoining areas under Market Police Station limits of the city in the early hours of Tuesday. A few vehicles were badly damaged.
Police, which was apparently relieved after peaceful Ganesha immersion procession, was taken unawares and allegedly fell short of personnel to strike on time. By the time police rushed to scene of violence, miscreants had broken glass window panes of several houses, attacked vehicles parked on roadsides and set ablaze an autorickshaw near the Traffic Police Station. Piles of stones were found at one place, suggesting pre-planned attack.
The injured have been shifted to the district government hospital. Market Police Inspector Ramesh Gokak sustained an injury on his face in stone hit. Stones were also pelted at a traffic police vehicle. Police Commissioner S. Ravi and senior officials rushed to spot. He said the violence erupted all of a sudden. The reason behind the incidents is being investigated, he said. Additional forces have been deployed in and around the affected areas.
