Mhow: Authorities are maintaining strict vigil in the town of Mhow in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, after a clash between two communities on Sunday night. Violence erupted after some youths brought out a procession to celebrate Team India’s Champions Trophy victory. Locals claimed that stones were pelted on the procession when it neared the sensitive Jama Masjid area.
Several vehicles were vandalised and some were set ablaze during the violence. Shops were also attacked, though most were closed at that time of the night. Their damaged shutters revealed attempts by rioters to break in, possibly with the intent to loot. The police said that nobody has been seriously injured and the situation is now under control.
“Adequate force has been deployed to prevent any further incident,” Indore collector Ashish Singh told the media.
According to a police official, the revellers were shouting slogans and bursting firecrackers. This seems to have led to an altercation. Some people then started pelting stones on the procession. Some of those in the procession fled, leaving behind their motorcycles. These were then vandalised.
Sometime later, those who had been attacked returned with others and retaliated. This led to an escalation before a large police team succeeded in bringing the situation under control. Deputy Inspector General of Police Nimish Agarwal and SP (Indore Rural) Hitika Wasal reached the spot after the incident to take stock.
“Police have been posted in the area and things are now under control,” Agarwal said. Another official said that some people have been identified and necessary action will be taken against them at the right time, after normalcy returns.
Both communities blamed the other for the violence. While those living near Jama Masjid claimed that the cricket fans were shouting provocative slogans and throwing firecrackers at people and buildings, the revellers denied this. The stone pelting started without any provocation, they said.
