Team Mangalorean - Bantwal

Bantwal: A group fight broke out in Kalladka area after a Tempo vehicle was stopped by the public for allegedly transporting cattle on Saturday, June 30 night.

A religious outfit's members on bikes were waiting for the vehicle when they received information that it was transporting cattle from Uppinangady. One of the bikes was reportedly hit by the vehicle and the rider is said to be severely injured.

The public beat up other persons in the traffickers' group and one of them is said to be in a critical condition. In all six are injured in the clashes, with the aforementioned two being in a serious state.

The police took some time to arrive but they controlled the situation. SP Abhishek Goyal and ASP M N Anuchet also reached the spot the soon after. Strict vigil is being maintained in this traditionally sensitive areas. Traffic on the national highway was held up for some time.

Senior residents expressed the fear that as elections approach more of these incidents were likely to take place.