Communal clashes erupt during Hindutva outfit’s protests in Maharashtra
Mumbai: The communal violence during the bandh called by a Hindutva group, Sakal Hindu Samaj, hit several areas of Maharashtra state.
According to Kashmir Media Service, several incidents of stone pelting and vandalisation of properties of Muslims were reported from Nashik and Jalgaon including in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) and Ahmednagar areas.
Clashes erupted in Nashik when Sakal Hindu Samaj members tried to shut down some shops forcibly, officials said. As the protesters reached the Bhadrakali police station area, they noticed some open shops, defying the bandh call. This led to heated arguments between the two groups which eventually led to violence wherein stones were pelted freely. The situation was brought under control as the police intervened and pacified the warring groups.
Around six policemen were injured. Police personnel, including State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), have been deployed in the area to maintain peace.”
“Clashes between two groups were reported from the Bhadrakali Police Station area earlier in the day.
In Jalgaon, violence erupted when stones were hurled at a vehicle showroom during Sakal Hindu Samaj’s protest march.
In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Muslim groups held protests against Hindutva religious leader Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj’s inflammatory statements against Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Similar protests were held in Ahmednagar and Nashik districts, resulting in multiple FIRs being filed against the priest for offending religious sentiments.
