Karnataka: 3 Injured In Knife Attack Following Clash During Ganesh Immersion Procession

When the Ganesh procession ended, an individual returned with friends and reportedly assaulted the three victims, and later attacked them with a knife.

After a dispute during a Ganesh immersion procession, a stabbing spree left three youths injured in Belagavi, Karnataka on Tuesday. The victims, identified as Darshan Patil, Satish Pujari and Praveen Gundiagola, were reportedly involved in an altercation that escalated after the event concluded.

According to Belagavi Police Commissioner E Martin, the incident took place near the Civil Hospital, not during the procession itself. During the immersion procession, a minor conflict arose when two individuals bumped into each other while dancing. Police on the scene intervened and separated the parties involved to prevent further escalation.

However, after the procession ended, one of the individuals involved returned with friends and assaulted the three victims, attacking them with a knife. Initial investigations suggest that there was existing animosity between the accused and the victims, which may have contributed to the incident.

Commissioner Martin stated, "The incident did not take place during the procession. Preliminary investigation reveals that there was some scuffle during the procession. After the procession ended, we came to know that there was already some enmity between the victim and the accused. They were all friends, so they came in a group to attack."

All three victims sustained minor injuries and are currently stable and undergoing treatment. The police are continuing their investigation, including whether the attackers were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

Earlier, a communal clash erupted in Ganesh Chaturthi procession in Nagamangala area which led to a curfew until September 15. Around 52 people were detained since a group of miscreants allegedly set shops and bikes on fire. 

The clash broke out after Muslim community members claimed that the people as part of the procession danced in front of a dargah. However, the Hindu members said that the procession was practiced as usual.