Madikeri: Group clashes occurred in Virajpet town of Kodagu district on Tuesday, forcing the entire town to observe an undeclared bandh after 4.30 p.m. Situation in Virajpet remain tense, according to sources here.

The incident occurred when a member, allegedly belonging to the group of an arrack contractor, abused a person at a shop near the private bus stand while seeking a one-rupee coin to make a telephone call from the shop. The shop belonged to a former vice-president of the Virajpet town municipal council. When the person who sought the coin abused an old man sitting at the shop, some youth in the shop are said to have objected to it. This led to clashes, which later spread in Virajpet town.

Lathicharge

Following this, shops closed down shutters in the town voluntarily to stay clear of any trouble. Two groups resorted to stone throwing and one police officer sustained injuries. Shops were damaged. Sources said the police had to resort to lathicharge to disperse those throwing stones.

Inspector General of Police (South), R.P. Sharma, told The Hindu that one vehicle was damaged in the incident and a few shops stoned.

Prohibitory orders had been clamped on Virajpet town after the incident. The Superintendent of Police has rushed to the spot with reinforcements.

Mr. Sharma said police officers from outside the district too have been sent to the spot. He said he would reach Virajpet town at night to monitor the situation. Situation was peaceful and there was no need for panic.

"Trouble has been nipped in the bud," he said. Mr. Sharma, however, declined to comment on whether arrests had been effected in connection with the incident. He also denied that it was a communal incident.

Additional police forces have been rushed to the spot from Ponnampet, Gonicoppa, Madikeri along with the KSRP and DAR platoons.

Communal clashes had occurred in Virajpet town in 1987 and again in 1997, in which one person had died in police firing.

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