Naregal clash: 26 booked after violence at festival event

Haveri: Aduru police in Haveri district have booked a case against 26 persons in connection with the communal violence that broke out on Monday evening in Naregal village of Hangal taluk, where eight people were injured during a clash between two groups at a bull-running event held as part of the Karahunnime festival, reportedly over bursting of firecrackers.Police said the dispute began near a village mosque while the bull run was under way and escalated from a verbal altercation into violence, with both groups allegedly attacking each other. Some individuals were said to have used sticks and other objects in the assault.Cases were registered under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 191(3), 115(2), 118(1), 118(2), 109, 299, 54, 351(2), 352 and subsection 190 of the BNS against those involved.

However, no arrests have been made so far in connection with the incident.Former chief minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai demanded immediate and stringent action against those responsible, calling for their arrest and imprisonment, and for the govt to provide proper medical treatment and compensation to the injured.In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “It is clear that those creating such an atmosphere of hatred enjoy political patronage, and the police are acting as puppets in the hands of instigating leaders. The home minister and senior police officials must take strict disciplinary action, ensure the culprits are jailed, provide treatment and compensation to the injured, and immediately transfer the local police officials.

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