Hassan (Karnataka), March 29 : Karnataka Police on Tuesday lathi-charged Bajrang Dal and Hindu activists when their protest against recital of Quran at a historical Hindu religious fair turned violent in Beluru town of the district.

The Hindu organisations had given a bandh call in this regard in Beluru town. The situation turned volatile when a Muslim youth raised the "Quran Zindabad" slogan amid the protest.  The Bajrang Dal and Hindu activists questioned the youth and surrounded him. The situation turned serious when the youth got into an argument with the agitators. Later, he was chased by protesters.

Meanwhile, another group of agitators blocked the road.  Taking no chance, the police resorted to lathi charge and quelled the mob. It also took the youth into custody and interrogated him.  The Hindu activists had submitted a memorandum to the Tehsildar office demanding that the verses of Quran should not be recited at the Hindu religious fair. They also urged the authorities to release the order in this regard by April 3. 

Hindu activists have opposed the ritual of reciting the Quran during historical Chennakeshava Rathotsava in Beluru town. The Hindu organisations maintain that the ritual should not be observed as it is against Hindu religion.  The historical religious fair is scheduled to be held on April 4 and district administration is concerned about the developments taking a communal turn at the time of elections.