Two Muslim school teachers were allegedly assaulted at Basavakalyan in Karnataka's Bidar district on Tuesday night, triggering communal tensions.
Thousands gathered outside the Basavakalyan police station demanding action against those responsible for the attack.
Police said Mohammed Arif, 25, and Syed Imran, 31, were allegedly attacked while they were out for a walk.
Deputy police superintendent Madolappa said five suspects were arrested in connection with the assault.
Police said the incident took communal colour as the Muslim community alleged it was a targeted attack.
They cited the complaint filed in the case and said that six to seven assailants made death threats and attacked Arif and Imran with stones, causing head injuries.
Police said the tensions escalated when protesters gathered outside the station.
Some protesters allegedly attacked police personnel, including assistant sub-inspector Mukhtar Patel, and threw stones.
Authorities said the situation is under control, and additional police personnel have been deployed across the town as a precaution.
