Communal clash in MP tehsil

Jhabua, MP, Oct 23 (UNI) A corporator has been arrested in the wake of arson and assault that followed communal tension at this district's Thandla tehsil last night.

''A dispute, which included exploding of firecrackers, assumed communal dimensions. Corporator Kishore Khadia was apprehended,'' said Collector Rajkumar Pathak.

Superintendent of Police Umesh Joga said Mr Khadia, who belongs to a minority community, had a festering dispute with Kanu Adivasi.

Members of both sides gathered and the matter aggravated.

Meanwhile, Corporator Fardaman Pathan quarelled with Sanjay over igniting firecrackers at Gandhi Chowk. This incident also assumed communal dimensions, arson and assault followed. Miscreants caused damage and torched a pan shop.

Police lobbed tear gas shells to bring the situation under control. A case was registered against Pathan and 27 others. A heavy police force was stationed at Thandla and senior officers are monitoring the situation.

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