Gadag, 24 March

Tension gripped Chikkavaddatti village of Mundargi taluk in Gadag district after a dispute over a man allegedly drinking water without permission escalated into a violent clash between two communities on Monday night.

The incident began when a youth belonging to the Madiga community drank water at a farm owned by a Valmiki community farmer. The farmer objected, citing the youth's caste, which led to the issue triggering a confrontation between the two Scheduled Caste communities.

The situation quickly turned volatile, with both groups engaging in assault and stone-pelting. At least 15 people from both sides were injured in the violence.

The injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital and are undergoing treatment.

SP Rohan Jagadeesh visited the spot, and additional police units have been deployed in the village to maintain law and order.

Authorities said the situation is now under control, although tension continues to linger in the area.