Rumours of 'hidden treasure' in a private farm at Annur village prompted 20 persons to trespass and start digging to try their luck, but it was short lived as locals surrounded them and handed some of them to police.
Police said 10 members of the group had been taken into custody for questioning, while the others managed to flee in the melee.
The group had earlier begun digging the area early this morning after sacrificing a hen.
On coming to know of the group's plan, villagers rushed to the spot and held them. In the melee, 10 persons managed to escape, police said.
