Shops gutted in group clash

At least three shops were gutted and five more were ransacked after two communities entered into a clash at Usti in South 24 Parganas district.

The clash started over a dispute between local van puller and a group of youths. The van puller was beaten up by the youths late Wednesday night after another group from a local club clashed with the youths. Police rushed to the spot and took the situation under control.

Tension erupted again this morning when hundreds of people went on a rampage, pelting bombs at each other.

Several shops were gutted while half a dozen houses were ransacked. Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed in the area, said an official.