26 each from Hindu, Muslim groups booked in Naregal clash

Naregal village in Haveri district where eight persons suffered injuries in a group clash on Monday is slowly returning to normality under the strict vigil of the police forces.

Meanwhile, in two cases registered at Adur Police Station in the district in connection with the group clash, FIRs have been registered against 26 people each from both the communities, including those who have suffered injuries in the clash.

According to Superintendent of Police Yashodha Vantagodi, so far no arrest has been made, while further investigation is on.

Meanwhile, several BJP leaders, including Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and MP Basavaraj Bommai, have reacted strongly to the incident and accused the ruling party of supporting criminal elements that wanted to disturb peace and harmony in society.

BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra, who visited Haveri District Hospital on Tuesday to enquire about the health of the injured persons, accused the police of acting as Congress agents.

He said that because of the appeasement policy of the Congress, Hindus are not in a position to celebrate their festivals peacefully. Such incidents are occurring on a regular basis as the ruling party has failed to protect the Hindus who too have voted for the Congress.

Mr. Vijayendra sought to know the reason behind not arresting those who were involved in the brutal attack even after 24 hours after the incident.

“Police stations have become Congress office and the police machinery is being misused to threaten Hindutva activists. Instead of arresting the culprits, a counter complaint has been filed,” he added.

On the local MLA not visiting the village, Mr. Vijayendra mocked that he might be busy either in Bengaluru or New Delhi to lobby for Ministership.

“It is not just Muslims who have voted for him. Hindus too have voted for him and he should have protected them,” Mr. Vijayendra added.