MARGAO, MARCH 1
Tension ran high in Balli in South Goa as two groups clashed late Sunday night over the question of performing pooja.
The Cuncolim police informed Herald that the incident occurred at around 11 pm when two groups clashed over performing pooja. When the police tried to give protection to one group they came under attack from the rival group.
Cuncolim police who rushed to the scene to cool down frayed tempers also came under attack from one of the groups. Two assistant sub-inspectors were injured in the process and were rushed to the Balli primary health centre. ASIs Menezes and Ramkant Dessai suffered head injuries.
Outnumbered by the local people, the Cuncolim police immediately requisitioned the services of Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), besides staff of Margao police station.
Anticipating further skirmishes between the warring parties, the police have called for additional reinforcements.
At the time of going to the press, additional police forces were seen patrolling the scene while the situation still remained tense.
