The violence in Biranpur, located around 60 km away from Bemetara town, allegedly erupted after a fight between schoolchildren.

The situation continues to be tense in Biranpur village of Chhattisgarh’s Bemetara district on Sunday, a day after a clash between members of two communities left one dead and three policemen injured. So far, 12 people from both sides have been arrested in the case, officials familiar with the matter said.

The violence in Biranpur, located around 60 km away from Bemetara town, allegedly erupted after a fight between schoolchildren. More than 700 police personnel have been deployed in the district to prevent any untoward incident, the official said, adding that all roads leading to the area have also been barricaded.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has called for a statewide bandh on Monday even as the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and the kin of the deceased blamed the police for the incident.

Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel has appealed for peace. “The incident is unfortunate and those who are guilty will be punished as per law,” he said.

Meanwhile, amid tight security, the last rites of Bhuvneshwar Sahu (24), were performed by his family members and villagers on Sunday.