A Ganesh Chathurthi procession in the town turned violent, with the police resorting to lathicharge to disperse two clashing groups.
The trouble started when the processionists entered a hotel and created a ruckus on Monday night. The police, who rushed to the spot on a complaint made by the hotel owner, resorted to caning. K Nidugane Gram Panchayat President Deen Bopanna and his supporters, who tried to intervene and stop the lathicharge, were also not spared by the police.
Bopanna and four others were hospitalised.
Tension prevailed in the area following police forcibly immersing the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Following the intervention of local BJP leaders, the issue was settled amicably with the police apologising for assaulting Bopanna and assuring not to register case against any one.