New Delhi: A 24-hour curfew has been imposed in Paladhi village of Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district on Wednesday after violent clashes broke out between two communities late Tuesday night. The conflict allegedly stemmed from a disagreement over honking by a vehicle carrying the family of Shiv Sena minister Gulabrao Patil.
The minor act of honking by the driver reportedly angered a few villagers. This escalated into a heated argument between villagers and party workers accompanying the minister’s family. The situation worsened when the argument turned into a physical altercation and more people from both sides joined.
Shiv Sena workers drove vehicle into group of villagers
According to reports, the angered Shiv Sena workers allegedly drove their vehicle into a group of villagers. It further worsened the situation. The villagers retaliated with stone-pelting, which soon turned into arson. Shops and vehicles were set ablaze during the violence. Some reports even mentioned gunfire sounds in the area.
On getting the information, police forces in large numbers were deployed in the area and a curfew was imposed in Paladhi village from 3am on Wednesday. “Curfew was imposed as a preventive measure. The situation is peaceful and under control,” an Indian Express report quoted district collector Ayush Prasad as saying.
Many shops ransacked and torched
Extensive property damage has been reported in the area with many shops ransacked and torched. The vehicles were also reduced to ashes after being targeted by the rioters. Fire brigade teams worked tirelessly to douse the fire but many establishments were destroyed before help could arrive
The cops have booked 25 people in the case, 10 individuals have been taken into custody over their involvement in the violence. The cops are planning a peace committee meeting today afternoon to address the grievances of both groups.
