Communal clash at Kaup; Udupi SP injured

Police in action at Kaup | Photo courtesy: mangalorean.com

Kaup: A rash of communal violence disturbed the otherwise peaceful coastal town of Kaup on the night of 15 March. Superintendent of police, Udupi, Pravin Pawar was injured in the incident.

Police sources reveal that a group from one community onboard a bus was headed for Kundapura from Mangalore, when some persons from the other community allegedly pelted stones at the bus. The scene soon developed into a communal clash with both the groups retaliating with violence. Over 100 people were involved in the clash. The other community however alleges that the people in the bus opened the offensive by throwing stones.

On account of anonymity, the source revealed, “It happened at around 8p.m. Since most of the police force was in Mangalore for bandobast during the Samajotsava, we had to head to the scene with only 10 men. As soon as Pravin Pawar got out of his vehicle, a stone hit the back of his head, injuring him. However, the situation was soon brought under control through negotiation between the two groups.”

The police have taken at least 27 people into custody over the incident. Meanwhile, at Kaup police personnel are patrolling the beaches and streets to avoid any untoward mishap. Police sources at Kaup said, “We don’t want unwanted trouble. The beach is cordoned off at night, and any nuisance maker may be slapped with Indian Penal Code 144 (unlawful assembly with weapon) if found guilty.”

Pawar is admitted to Kasturba Medical College and Hospital for treatment and is reported to be out of danger. He was unavailable for comment due to medical procedures.

Sub-edited by: Sachi Hegde

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