Many injured in clash over planning of temple fest, 30 detained: Gujarat Police

Around 30 people were detained and the injured are under treatment at a hospital, police said on Saturday.

Sabarkantha’s Superintendent of Police Parthrajsinh Gohil told The Indian Express, “The two communities were at odds over the administration of a Kaal Bhairav temple located in the village. There was a simmering undercurrent of tensions for a long time and the trigger for the violence was the planning of the Kali Chaudas festivities. There were disagreements… that led to an argument on October 16 and another scuffle on October 17 night when the two groups assaulted each other with pipes and sticks and also pelted stones, damaging several vehicles.”

Police sources said the main reason for the conflict was that earlier, the administration of the temple was with one community and due to substantial donations, the programmes and festivals were conducted on a “large scale”. For the past two years or so, the administration of the temple was done by the other community. The festivities have been scaled down, leading to tension in the village, the sources said.
The temple is right at the centre of the village. “There is a 200-metre open area where the violence took place,” said a police officer.

Police said they are checking videos purportedly showing people pelting stones at neighbour’s homes.

The violence began around 10:30 pm on October 17. The police were informed and brought the situation under control by around 11 pm.

Complaints were filed by members of both groups against each other at the Prantij police station, leading to the filing of two FIRs in the matter. Further investigation is underway, police said.