Social Media Post On The Kerala Story Leads To Clashes In Maharashtra’s Akola

OB Bureau

May 17, 2023 1:59 pm

New Delhi: Over 110 people were arrested and one person died after clashes erupted between two groups in Maharashtra’s Akola town, over the weekend, as per media reports citing officials. The violence is said to be triggered by a social media post on the controversial film, The Kerala Story, reported BBC, citing reports.

A curfew was imposed and internet services were shut down to get the situation under control. At least eight people, including a female constable, were injured after the clashes erupted over the weekend.

“Violent clash erupted between two groups over a minor dispute. Some Vehicles have been damaged by the violent mob. The situation is now under control,” Akola Superintendent of Police, Sandeep Ghuge, said on Sunday, news agency ANI reported.

According to the police, the violence first began on Saturday when members of the community gathered outside the town’s police station to protest against a social media post in relation to The Kerala Story. The post was reportedly a conversation between two residents. The screenshot was shared on Instagram by one of them and “hurt the religious sentiments” of the other person.

“During a chat between two individuals, one person purposely tried to hurt the religious sentiments of another person after which the screenshot of those messages were shared on Instagram,” a police official told The Indian Express.

The members of the community then went on to file a complaint against the individual in the Ramdaspeth police station and while a case was being registered, some 1000 people marched to the house of the person who had uploaded the post, reported the local media. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Monday, ordered the police to take strict action against the perpetrators of the riots in Akola and Shevgaon in Ahmednagar while also urging people to maintain peace and social harmony.

However, no further details about the post were given. The police are looking for the account holder whose Instagram handle was XYZZZZZ99988. The account, which appears to be fake, was deleted minutes after sending provocative messages, said the police.