Gonikoppal:  A clash between Congress and BJP workers during campaigning at Gonikoppal in Kodagu on May 9 night has left three persons including a student in critical condition.

The injured have been identified as Gram Panchayat Member Jammanda Somanna, Gonikoppal Town Youth Congress President Karthanda Somanna and student Puneeth who have been   admitted to a private hospital in Mysuru.

Earlier, when the injured were being treated at a local Community Health Centre in Gonikoppal, activists of both the parties allegedly barged into the Health Centre and began assaulting each other. They threw oxygen cylinders and chairs besides damaging the windows and equipment at the Health Centre. As the situation was going out of control, the Police resorted to lathi charge to bring it under control.

Gonikoppal Police have arrested a total of nine persons belonging to both the political parties and have also taken 12 persons into custody for enquiry.

A case has been registered at Gonikoppal Police Station under IPC Section 307 in this regard. SP Said that the situation was under control. Meanwhile, Kodagu DC Srividya has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 in the district from 6 pm yesterday till 6 pm on May 13.