Communal clashes in 4 states, one dead in Gujarat on Ram Navami

New Delhi, Apr 11: Four states witnessed communal clashes on Sunday during there Ram Navami celebrations. One death was reported from Gujarat, while clashes broke out in Madhya Pradesh, Bengal and Jharkhand.

In Madhya Pradesh's Khargone, clashes broke out when stones were thrown at the procession that started from the Tale Chowk area. The police had to use tear gas shells to bring the situation under control.

Three persons were injured while several shops and vehicles were torched during a clash between two communities in Khambhat town in Anand district today, police said.

The prima facie trigger behind the confrontation was a minor accident in citys Pith Bajar area.

"People from the two communities gathered against each other following a minor accident in Pith Bajar area in morning. They first hurled stones at each other before going on the rampage," Khambhat police inspector PD Parmar said.

Tension escalated soon after the people from both the communities started gathering in the main market area in the afternoon.

"We learnt that at least three persons were injured in the clash. Several shops and vehicles were also set ablaze by the mob. We have deployed a large number of force to control the situation. As of now, there are no reports of any serious injury or fatality," the officer said.

Meanwhile, a large number of police force has been rushed to the spot.

Anand Superintendent of Police Saurabh Singh said the situation was under control.

"There was some violence during the day in Khambhat. But, we took swift action and controlled the situation," Singh told PTI.

In Madhya Pradesh large gatherings have been banned at Khargone city which is 300 kilometres from Bhopal. "In Khargone today, anti-social elements tried to spoil the atmosphere of the city. I have spoken to the IG (inspector general) and the collector over phone and instructed them to take strict action against the miscreants, stone pelters and culprits will not be spared, we will not spare those who take law in their hands," Madhya Pradesh minister, Kamal Patel said.

"All to note that Howrah City Police is taking all sorts of action to maintain peace and tranquility in Shibpur PS area. All r requested to show utmost restraint & discretion while posting anything on social media, spreading any fake news on today's Rama Nabami rally related issues," the police said in a tweet on the violence in Bengal.

"In the Shivpur area of Howrah district, Ram devotees took out a procession and the constable and police officer thrashed them with sticks. Some people got seriously injured. Is following Sanatan Dharma prohibited in this state? @HMOIndia @jdhankhar1@HomeBengalDGP @WBPolice," BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said in a tweet.

(With PTI inputs)