Maharashtra: Violence in Satara Over Objectionable Social Media Post, One Person Killed

At least one person was killed while 10 others suffered injuries when members of two communities clashed at a village in Maharashtra's Satara district on Monday following an "objectionable" post on social media.

The incident, which took place at Pusesawali village in Khatao tehsil on Sunday night, led to tension between the two communities, prompting the police administration to suspend internet services in the district as a precautionary measure, they said. Some houses were damaged after being set on fire, a senior district administration official was quoted as saying.

"Some objectionable posts were exhibited on a social media platform and police were questioning a youth over it at an outpost in the village on Sunday. At that time, some persons from another community created ruckus outside the police post," Kolhapur Range Inspector General Sunil Phulari was quoted saying.

He further added, "They torched some vehicles, damaged property in some bylanes. Ten persons were injured and one died during treatment."

A case has been registered under Indian Penal Code section 302 (murder) as well as those related to rioting, and 23 persons have been arrested.

The IG said that a case has been registered in connection with the objectionable postunder IPC section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and the youth who allegedly uploaded it was arrested.

The official said internet service in the district had been suspended as a precautionary measure and appealed to people to maintain calm and not fall prey to rumours. Superintendent of Police Sameer Shaikh said police managed to take control of the situation immediately.