Over a dozen injured in communal violence in Thane

Thane, Mar 18 (ANI): Over a dozen people, including seven policemen, were injured in Thane on Tuesday after a road mishap led communal violence spilled out of control.

According to reports, police baton charged and fired rounds as the situation worsened.

Police said that one senior police officer suffered serious head injuries. Six other policemen are reported to have suffered injuries.

"One senior policeman has been injured. Six other police officials have also been injured. We have reports that two residents were injured in the firing. We have taken twelve people in police custody," said Tukaram Chouhan, Additional Commissioner, Thane.

An injured policeman said that auto rickshaws, milk vans, shops and three houses were set on fire by the unruly mob.

The rioters also pelted stones and bottles at the policemen.

"When we tried to stop the mob from pelting stones, they started throwing bottles and stones at us also. We had to then open fire at them. Policemen and residents, both were injured in the clash," said an unidentified injured policeman.

Around ten-twelve people have been taken into police custody for interrogation. Investigations are on to find out the cause for the clashes. (ANI)