The BJP-sponsored Vijayotsav (victory march), led by B R Patil Yatnal, turned violent, resulting in clashes between two groups when it reached Gandhi Chowk in the heart of the city.
The colour being applied by the revellers, who entered the shops of LBS market, fell on a few men and women of the other community, leading to stone pelting in retaliation.
Angered by this, the BJP youth rampaged through the vegetable market damaging vehicles parked nearby. The police resorted to mild caning to disperse the irate crowd.According to eye-witnesses, all those coming towards Meenakshi Chowk in a victory procession were pelted with stones.
A former corporator said one policeman, six BJP workers and some persons of a particular community were injured in the clashes. Sensing danger, all shops and business establishments in and around Gandhi Chowk, Shivaji Chowk and Basaveshwar Road downed their shutters.
Though the police brought the situation under control, the atmosphere remained tense. District in-charge Minister M B Patil, in a message, urged the people not to act on rumours and maintain calm.
Reminding them that the City was known for peace and harmony, as people of all communities have lived peacefully for centuries, he said he had directed the district administration to act tough with mischievous elements trying to disturb peace and harmony.
