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Over 70 detained after ‘communal’ conflict turns violent in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar ‘over WhatsApp statuses’

More than 200 people from two communities allegedly indulged in stone pelting, damaging cars and shops, and setting them ablaze, police said

More than 200 people from two communities allegedly indulged in stone pelting, damaging cars and shops, and setting them ablaze. (Express)

Communal clashes broke out in a village in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar district late Wednesday night leading to violence and arson, following which police detained around 70-80 people.The incident took place in Bahiyal village in Dehgam taluka, located about 38 km from the city of Gandhinagar.

More than 200 people from two communities allegedly indulged in stone pelting, damaging cars and shops, and setting them ablaze.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ayush Jain said the conflict stemmed from WhatsApp statuses of “I Love Muhammad” and “I Love Mahadev” but said that the posts themselves may not have incited trouble. He said that police are still trying to find the source of the conflict and how it had turned into violence on the streets. An FIR is yet to be registered.

ASP Jain said, “Groups of more than 200-300 people fought over sensitive social media posts, leading to stone pelting. They set shops and fire and vandalised public as well as private vehicles. Currently, the situation is under control.”

Regarding police action, ADP Jain said, “We have rounded up and detained 70 to 80 people, and further investigation is underway.”

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