Communal clash during Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti procession in Maharashtra's Shevgaon; 50 detained

A procession on the occasion of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti was taken out in Ahmednagar's Shevgaon when clashes between two communities erupted on Sunday night.

Ahmednagar (Maharashtra): A clash broke out between two communal groups on the occasion of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti in Ahmednagar's Shevgaon on Sunday night. According to official sources, the procession was being taken out to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj when clashes erupted between two groups at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk at around 8 pm. On receiving the information, police rushed to the spot and detained as many as 50 people and took 31 into custody. Teams of the Reserve Police Force were deployed to avoid any untoward situation. Four policemen were also injured in this incident.

Sources said that as the procession reached Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk people started pelting stones at each other, vehicles were damaged and several shops were set on fire. People from both communities accused each other of the violence. This also led to a stampede and police rushed to the spot to maintain peace and prevent any further untoward incidents.

Sources also said that Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ola inspected the area on Monday morning and the situation is currently under control. Furthermore, the investigation into this incident is on. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sandeep Mitke helped people by extinguishing the fire that broke out at several shops during the violence.

The police dispersed the mob after it went out of control and the situation is under control while the police teams are keeping a strict vigil on the area. Police sources said that to prevent any untoward incident, the State Reserve Police Force has been deployed in Shevgaon