One killed, 50 injured in Thane communal clashes

Thane (Maharashtra), Sept 30 : At least one person was killed and over 50 were injured in communal clashes which broke out at Rabodi village in Thane District of Maharashtra over setting up of a 'pandal' for the Navaratri festival around midnight.

According to sources, there was a dispute over the issue of erecting a pandal for the festival. Members of a particular community alleged that the pandal encroached over their area.

Police fired 10 rounds in the air to control the mob, which indulged in arson, after baton charge failed to deter them.

Curfew has been clamped in the trouble-torn area.

Of the injured, three are journalists, two Home Guards and some policemen.

Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil and Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi visited the locality to take stock of the situation.

ANI