Bantwal: A clash broke out between two groups at Peruvai near here on July 5, Friday night over the issue of alleged cattle smuggling after Bhajrangdal activists stopped a Maruti Omni vehicle which had two calves and a bull crammed inside it.
The activists also trapped one Naveen from Yennur who was in the vehicle. However, the driver took to his heels. As per the revelation made by Chethan, a certain Shamshuddin was driving the vehicle and he had asked him to accompany him in the vehicle.
However, there was tension in the air when police arrived and the cattle in the van were shifted to a pick-up vehicle. It is learnt, someone in the crowd commented that one Ranjith Marla who was in the group was an expert in loading cattle to vehicles. When this was questioned by Ranjiths father who was also present, there led to a clash between two groups. Finally, police resorted to a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
Sources said one Chethan, a local youth who saw the cattle being transported in the vehicle, had tipped off the Bhajrangdal men. Sources said the cattle was being taken to Kerala from Ninthikallu in Sullia.
The situation is presently under control.