One killed, 5 injured in clash during idol immersion in Kolhapur

Kolhapur, Sep 15 (UNI) An 18-year-old teenager was killed and five others were injured in a clash between members of two Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals over idol immersion here late last night.

Additional Superintendent of Police Sahaji Umap told reporters today that the clash broke out between Phirangai and Vetalmal mandals, both from Shivaji Peth, near Binkhambee temple, over which mandal would lead the other.

He said the volunteers of the mandals started hurling coconuts, 'chappals' and stones at each other. In the melee, members of Phirangai mandal attacked four Vetalmal members Sairaj Sanjay Jagtap, Samrat Korane, Vilas and Mugdum with knife, injuring them seriously. They all were admitted to a private hospital, where Sairaj succumbed to his injuries. While, the others were shifted to another hospital, he said.

Mr Umap said two members of Phirangai mandal were injured in the scuffle and were later admitted to another hospital.

He said the police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the mob.

Sairaj's father, Sanjay Bajirao Jagtap, has registerd a complaint against four members of Phirangai mandal, including corporator Ravi Ingawale, he said.

He said the clash could be the fallout of old rivalry between the two groups and added that no arrests have been made so far in this connection.

Barring this incident, the Ganesh idols immersion procession was peaceful. The immersion activity ended this morning, he added.

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