Dharwad: Tension gripped the famous Nuggikeri Hanuman temple on Saturday as members of a pro-Hindu organization destroyed watermelons being sold by a Muslim seller.
The salesman claimed that in the evening, a few Hindu organization members hurled the fruits and warned him they couldn't sell anything on the temple grounds.
As the debate began, both members of the community became embroiled in fierce debates. The prompt intervention of the police and temple officials aided in getting the situation under control.
However, police have set up camp on the shrine grounds. A seller from the Muslim community stated that he had been running the business for the last 15 years and had never seen such a situation.
"We had not been told to leave by the temple administration or any other competent authority. We have suffered a loss. Who will be held accountable? "he asked.
The temple's senior administrator stated that they were unaware of the incident, and they were all busy in the temple as there was huge crowds as it was Saturday. He said they would chair a meeting with all “Parayasthas” of the temple to discuss this issue and said all community people established shops here and temple administration allows them to do business with taking any rent, based on the humanitarian ground we allow vendors without looking at their caste and religion, he said. 
Superintendent of Police P Krishnakant stated that the police have filed a case in connection with this occurrence, but that he cannot divulge any further details at this time because the subject is being probed. By Saturday night no arrests were made, said the police.
Just a few days ago, members of a Hindu organization asked the Nuggikeri Hanuman temple administration not to allow members of the Muslim community to conduct business on their premises.