Lucknow, Jan 16 (IANS): Peace returned in the old city area here in Uttar Pradesh on Monday, which was singed by a communal clash late Sunday night and is under a strict watch, police said.

Heavy security deployment has been made in the Khadra area after a group of Hindus and Muslims came face to face late Sunday night and fought over a trivial issue, the police said.

According to the police, a youth reportedly abused some people outside a temple in Baba ka Purva in the Khadra area where Makar Sankranti festival was being celebrated. After some time, 30-40 more persons came and started firing in the air, creating chaos. Soon the other side regrouped and returned fire.

"There was no major issue and there were allegations that a goat had gone missing and was reportedly spotted in the temple," said a senior official.

DIG Praveen Kumar, District Magistrate Satyendra Singh, SSp Lucknow Manjil Saini soon rushed to the scene and controlled escalation of hostilities.

"Though there is some tension but peace has by and large returned in the area. We are maintaining a strict vigil," an official told IANS.

A complaint has been filed by both sides against each other and a probe is underway to fix guilt, the official added.