Three injured in knife attack after fight during Ganesh immersion procession

Three youths were injured in a stabbing following an argument during a Ganesh immersion procession 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 E Martin, the Superintendent of Police of Belagavi, the incident occurred near the Civil Hospital and not during the procession itself. A minor conflict occurred during the immersion procession when two people clashed while dancing. The police present at the spot intervened and separated the parties involved to prevent further escalation.

However, after the parade ended, one of the participants returned with friends and attacked the three victims with a knife. Initial investigations indicate that there was animosity between the accused and the victims, which may have contributed to the incident.

Commissioner Martin explained: “The incident did not occur during the procession. Preliminary investigations revealed that there was a physical altercation during the procession. After the procession had ended, we learned that there was already some animosity between the victim and the accused. They were all friends and therefore came to the attack as a group.”

All three victims suffered minor injuries and are currently stable and receiving treatment. Police are continuing to investigate, including whether the attackers were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

Earlier, communal clashes broke out during the Ganesh Chaturthi procession in Nagamangala area, leading to a curfew till September 15. Around 52 people were arrested after a group of miscreants allegedly set fire to shops and bicycles.

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

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