Stone pelting clash over temple dispute injures more than 10 villagers

Haveri: A clash erupted on Thursday between villagers of Hireyadachi and Kyatanakere of Hirekerur taluk over a temple issue, leading to stone pelting and leaving more than 10 people injured. More than 10 bikes and a JCB were damaged in the incident.The conflict arose between the two neighbouring villages over the historically significant Guddada Durgamma temple. As the Durgamma Devi festival was set to begin on March 9, Hireyadachi villagers started constructing a new temple next to the old one, to avoid disputes over the temple. Kyatanakere villagers questioned whether there was permission for the construction and suggested building the temple within their own village instead.The disagreement escalated into violence, with stone pelting between the groups. Police detained several individuals and planned to arrest those involved based on video evidence. The situation was calm, with police maintaining a presence at the site.When contacted, Lakshman Shirakol, additional SP of Haveri, said the temple dispute between Hireyadachi and Kyatanakere villages was ongoing since 1999. Locals of both villages claimed the temple belonged to their village. In the clash, more than 10 people were injured, and some bikes were damaged. Police arrested 10 villagers from Kyatanakere village, and the situation was brought under control. "We will initiate action against those involved in this clash without any relaxation," he clarified.