Three killed in clashes in Dhule; Indefinite curfew clamped

Dhule, Oct 5 (UNI) Indefinite curfew was clamped in the city in the North Maharashtra district after clashes broke out between two groups leading to rioting and large-scale arson in which three people were killed, including one in police firing, and over a 100 injured.

Several shops were looted and some set ablaze in many localities of the city, including Deopar area on the old Mumbai-Agra road, the 80 feet road and the main bazaar this afternoon, police said.

According to police sources, the clashes occurred when a poster was torn by members of a group, returning after attending a meeting held by the Hindu Raksha Samiti to protest the growing incidents of terrorism in the country. The other group included members of a minority community, who were dispersing after attending a felicitation function for a community leader.

Subsequently, both the groups indulged in heavy stone-pelting.

Police opened fire at the rioters, leading to death of one person.

Two persons were killed in the stone-pelting, police added.

Rampaging mobs were out on the roads, targetting shops of both groups. Sources said after looting the shops, the mobs torched several of them.

Police reinforcements were rushed to the city from Jalgaon, Malegaon and Nandurbar. A Platoon of the SRP was also stationed in the city to assist the police in maintaining law and order.

The situation was officially described as tense but under control tonight.

UNI TEAM OBB AKJ PM2035