Bantwal: Police have arrested 18 people belonging to rival groups in connection with the group clashes in Kalladaka and registered 9 cases in total.

Four people have been injured so far and vehicles including Maruti Omni van and a bike have been damaged. One house and 5 shops too bore the brunt of clashes and were damaged, presumably in stone pelting.

Meanwhile, in view of the prevailing tense scenario in the area the district administration has decided to extend the prohibitory orders till June 21.

Speaking to media, Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Gulabrao Borase assured that innocents will not be booked and requested affected area citizens not to get carried away by rumours, instead maintain peace and cooperate with the police.

Three KSRP platoons have been summoned along with additional police forces from nearby districts of Hassan and Chikkamagalur to maintain law and order in the town. Situation is tense but under total control, revealed police sources.

IGP, Western Range Hariharan visited the trouble-torn town and instructed his personnel to book the culprits involved without showing any mercy. He told the district SP and other officials not to restrict their activity to table work, instead display action on the ground by booking all those responsible for the untoward incidents.

BJP leader Rajesh Naik accompanied by other party members visited the hospital in Mangaluru to enquire about the health of Pavan and constable Dhananjay injured during the clashes. Both are recovering in the hospital from stab and stone pelting injuries.