Two groups of youth belonging to Muslim and Hindu (Arunthathiyar) community clashed on Sunday night at Bagayam in Vellore. Police arrested seven Muslim youths and an equal number of Hindus in connection with the incident.
The Times of India reports that it all started when Muslim and Arunthathiyar men picked up a quarrel over a trivial issue while bathing in a nearby pond. On seeing this, Gopi of Aruthathiyar Community intervened to stop them fighting.The Muslims assaulted Gopi, his brother and a few others and fled.
Police sources told The Times of India that the Muslim youth, in a bid to divert the issue, threw stones into the mosque in the vicinity and claimed their rivals had hurled the stones. On hearing about the incident, a large number of Muslims gathered at the spot sparking tension.
Police arrested 14 youths following the incident. They have been remanded in judicial custody .
Following this, a group of around 60 Muslims, predominantly women, petitioned district collector R Nanthagopal urging him to release the Muslim youth.
Zonal president of Hindu Munnani K Mahesh petitioned Superintendent of Police, Vellore, P Pakalavan to release the Hindus.