Communal clashes break out in Belagavi, gunshots heard
Belagavi: Communal violence broke out at Khadak Galli, Chavat Galli and the surrounding localities of the city on Wednesday night even as the winter session of the state legislature is in progress at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha here.
Groups from both sides threw stones, damaged houses and set vehicles on fire. Residents’ screams were heard till Khade Bazaar and shop owners downed their shutters as soon as the trouble broke out. What triggered the clashes remains unclear though rumours kept doing the rounds. Unconfirmed reports said gunshots were heard, but it is unclear whether police had fired them.
The Market police sent reinforcements to the spot and were making all efforts to contain the situation and prevent the violence from spreading to other parts of the city. Senior police officials confirmed that it was communal violence but refused to give details.