Mangalore : The situation in Ullal continued to be tense on Friday following a clash between two groups over rumours of damage to a boat in Kotepura.

A group of people threw stones on a private city bus owned by N.S. Kareem that was going towards B.C. Road. Stones were thrown when the bus was at the Chembugudde stop. The bus driver, Bhavani Shankar, and a three-year-old boy received minor injuries. The two have been admitted to a private hospital in Deralakatte. According to eyewitness accounts, there were only a few passengers in the bus.

Alleged attempts by some miscreants to knock on the doors of the houses of some fishermen in Mogaveerapatna and subsequent attack on a couple of people from Kotepura on Tuesday night had led to group clashes that have taken a communal colour in the area. Stone throwing incidents were reported on Thursday night also. Police have imposed prohibitory orders.

Shops and business establishments continued to be closed for the second day in Ullal on Friday. Movement of vehicles was prevented at the Thokkottu junction. Commissioner of Police R. Hithendra has been camping in Ullal Police Station. Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) M.N. Reddy was scheduled to visit the area in the evening.

As many as 76 persons were taken into custody by the police following clashes between two groups on Thursday night. Several persons were at the police station asking release of their children, claiming innocence of attack.