More cops deployed after tension during VHP’s Ram Navami procession in Vadodara

According to police, the altercation took place at Panjrigar Mohalla around 1 pm.

Communal tension erupted in the Fatehpura area when two groups came face to face during a Ram Navami procession. (Express photo by Bhupendra Rana)

Deputy commissioner of police (zone III) Yashpal Jaganiya said, “There has been no incident of stone-pelting or police lathi-charge in the old city of Vadodara. There were two groups that were involved in a verbal altercation after the procession crossed Panjrigar Mohalla. But the yatra continued as scheduled as police accompanying it immediately swung into action to disperse the two groups…We have already deployed SRP units and also personnel along the route at various points to ensure that no untoward incident takes place throughout the day as more processions are planned in the city.”

The DCP said the police were watching social media, where he said rumours about a communal clash were spreading. (Express photo by Bhupendra Rana)

The DCP also said the police were watching social media, where he said rumours about a communal clash were spreading. “We have an eye on social media through the cyber crime cell. Anyone who is found spreading rumours will be dealt with… The people are requested to not believe in rumours about any communal clash,” he said.