Calm returns to Vadodara, Army pullout soon

Swarup said curfew would be relaxed for nine hours tomorrow from 8 am to 5 pm in all six police station areas affected by violence following the demolition of a dargah by civic authorities on May 1. The Army has already been withdrawn from Raopura and Karelibagh areas.

Six people were killed and over 60 injured in police firing and clashes following last week’s demolition of an unauthorised dargah as part of the municipal drive.

During curfew relaxation today, many shops were open though it was Sunday. Bhavik Rawal, a shop owner in Dandiya Bazaar, said he was opening his establishment after six days. ‘‘We lost business worth thousands of rupees due to the disturbances,’’ he said.

The Congress party organised prayers for peace by leaders of all religions. Congress leader Arjun Modhvadia offered condolences to those whose kin had died in the violence and appealed to the people to maintain calm.

One held for burning man alive

VADODARA: One person was arrested in connection with the burning alive of Rafiq Vora in his car on May 2 following violence sparked by demolition of a dargah, police said here. Neelkanth Marathe alias Garagewala, a resident of Ajwa Road, was arrested last night, police said. He was held where the incident occurred, they said.

Neelkanth had been absconding since the incident and was arrested after police got information that he would return home, police said.

He has been remanded in four-day police custody.

Rafiq’s brother Mohammed had accused 14 persons of burning alive Rafiq when he was returning from work. — PTI