Subramanya: Two groups, one led by taluk secretary of Hindu Jagarana Vedike, Guruprasad Panja, and the other by Chaithra Kundapur, fought at temple town, Subramanya, on the evening of Wednesday October 24. In this incident, Guruprasad Panja, who was injured, was admitted into hospital. Condemning the incident, citizens of Subramanya took out a procession on Wednesday. Businessmen of the town have given call for a bandh at Subramanya on Thursday October 25.

Guruprasad, who sustained serious injuries in his head, was admitted into the government hospital here. Subramanya police, who took into custody Chaithra Kundapur and seven others, have been interrogating them.

Chaithra, during the period she took part in a programme held at Subramanya in the recent past, had passed some controversial remarks about the ‘Sarpa Samskara’, a ritualistic procedure performed at Subramanya temple. Her remarks had given rise to a protracted debate in social websites, it is said.

On Wednesday, Chaithra Kundapur, Sullia taluk Hindu Jagarana Vedike secretary, Guruprasad and Ashith Kallaje, a youngster from Panja, had telephonic discussions on this issue between them. As an extension of these discussions, the groups fought near Kashikatte at Subramanya, it is being claimed.

The police had to resort to light lathi charge to disperse the crowd that had gathered near Kashikatte. While Chaithra and her seven supporters were taken into custody by the police, Guruprasad, who was bleeding in the head, was taken to the government hospital by some others. Till late night, no official complaint about this incident was registered in Subramanya police station. Subramanya station house officer said that Chaithra Kundapur and seven persons from Kundapur, said to be her supporters, have been taken into custody for questioning. He said that after verifying the genuineness of the incident based on statements of both the parties being recorded, further action would be initiated.

Although this incident happened very near the police station, the police had failed reached the spot immediately. It is said that in the light caning by the police, some people including the priest of a local shrine were injured.

The merchants and locals have given call for bandh at Subramanya on Thursday in protest against the people who acted like goons, which is not in tune with the sanctity of this temple town.