Date:17/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/17/stories/2008121756130500.htm

Karnataka

Clashes in Bhatkal, Murudeshwar

Correspondent

Karwar: The situation in Bhatkal and Murudeshwar on Tuesday was tense after reported clashes between members of two communities.

A group of 24 youth from Bhatkal went for a picnic to Netrani Island on Monday, and they stayed there overnight. Around that time, fishermen in Murudeshwar area sighted fire on the island, and they alerted the local police. A police team, with help from the Karavali Kavalu Pade, led by Bhatkal Deputy Superintendent of Police Vedamurthy, went in speedboats to the island and arrested the youth.

Meanwhile there was a rumour in Murudeshwar that some terrorists had been arrested in Netrani Island. This led to tension and a group of youth attacked some tourists at Murudeshwar beach, and abused them.

When the youth taken into custody at Netrani Island were brought to Murudeshwar, they were allegedly attacked by members of another community in the presence of the police. This lead to further tension. Shamun Lukman Hajipakki (30) of Dongarapalli Bhatkal, Mohammad Mustahim Mohammad Hussain (21) of Jainabad who is an engineering student, and Saifuddin Saibumatta (32) of Umar street Bhatkal were injured in the clash. Police have arrested 24 persons in this regard.