Group clash over temple issue in Haveri

Some people sustained injuries during a group clash near Hirekerur in Haveri district on Thursday night.

A few residents of Hireyadachi and Kyatanakere came to blows over a dispute over construction of a temple.

The fight escalated and stone pelting followed, leading to around 10 persons suffering minor injuries. The mob also damaged an earthmover.

The police have detained some persons. Investigators are scanning video footage to trace the other accused. With heavy police presence now, calm prevails in the villages. At least 10 persons have been picked up for questioning.

Residents of the villages were fighting over the management of Guddada Durugamma temple, whose annual feast begins on March 9.

When some people from Hireyadachi began construction of a new temple near the old one, some youth from Kyatanakere tried to sop them, questioning whether they had obtained due permission; they also asked them to shift the temple to Hireyadachi village limits. However, the other group refused to stop work. The disagreement escalated into violence, with stone pelting between the groups.

Lakshman Shirakol, Additional Superintendent of Police, said the temple dispute between the villages had been going on since 1999. Both villagers claimed the temple belonged to their village and sought management rights.