Mangaluru: A transparent probe based on clear evidence will be conducted into recent clashes between members of two communities at Kalladka in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, a top police official said.

CCTV footages would be examined and action taken against police personnel if it was found that there was dereliction of duty on their part, Karnataka Additional Director General of Police Alok Mohan told reporters at Bantwal after visiting Kalladka last evening.

The ADGP also warned that stringent action would be  taken against individuals and groups who tried to foment  trouble by spreading rumours through the social media.

The police would take effective steps to check recurrence of such incidents, he said and wanted the people to co-operate with the department to maintain law and order.

A meeting of police officials was also held yesterday, which was attended by Inspector General of Police (Western Range) Harisekharan, Superintendent of Police Bhushan G Borase and other top police officials to monitor the situation in  Bantwal.

Meanwhile, all the 18 persons arrested in connection  with the violent incidents were produced before the court and  remanded to judicial custody.

People belonging two communities had clashed at Kalladka on Tuesday evening after the stabbing of Hindu Jagarana Vedike district president Ratnakar Shetty and another person, leading to prohibitory orders being imposed.