Communal clash over speed biking in Belgaum
Belgaum, May 31

Communal violence raised its ugly head in the communally sensitive Vishnu Galli-Dhamanae Road Cross of Vadgaon suburb here late night on Monday after a clash between Hindu and Muslim youths.To restore peace police fired tear gas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse the warring stone-pelting groups.

The violence was triggered after Ranjit Jadhav resident of Vishnu Galli picked a fight with a youth from Muslim community speeding on his bike in the residential area.
Jadhav was assaulted and later as night progressed youth from both the communities gathered near the circle and resorted to stone pelting to avenge the assault and preventing youth from speeding on their bikes.

A case of inciting communal violence and rioting was filed against Belgaum South MLA Abhay Patil and his accomplices after the communal violence. About 25 persons from both Hindu and Muslim communities were arrested and police are on the look out for 50 more suspected to be involved in the violence.

Police in a complaint filed against MLA Patil alleged that he incited communal violence and asked his followers to attack Muslims.

MLA Patil also had an altercation with Superintendent of Police Sandeep Patil. Efforts by Belgaum Rural MLA Sanjay Patil who also reached the spot to pacify them did not yield results.

Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Rupak Kumar Datta visited the communal violence hit spot on Tuesday and sought details of the incident from Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) P S Sandhu and Superintendent of Police Sandeep Patil.