SRIKALAHASTHI: Twenty five persons were injured in a clash between Dalits and people of other castes on Wednesday at Pitchatur.

Dalits of the village and surrounding areas were holding demonstrations in protest against the 'behaviour' of the castes of the village.

During the demonstration, the two groups clashed with each other with swords, stick and rods. Police entered on the scene and brought the situation under control.

However, the clash resulted in injuries to 25 persons who have been admitted to Puttur, Tirupati and local hospitals.

The police had to open fire when the lathicharge proved ineffective.

Superintendent of police P Ramanarayana rushed to the village to quell the clashes. Srikalahasthi Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) K Sundararami Reddy and Tirupati Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) B Ramarao also visited the village.

The SP ordered additional forces to be rushed to the troubled village. It is learnt that more police perosonnel were kept standby to be rushed to the village in case of emergency. The SP held a meeting with both the clashing groups and made efforts to bring about reconciliation.

According to the police, a tension has been brewing between the two groups for the past four months.