On the day the Sabarmati Express went up in flames in Godhra two years ago, violence returned to haunt Vadodara on Friday. A 30-year-old youth was stabbed dead and another succumbed to injuries sustained on Thursday in a clash over tazias. Stone-pelting was also reported from Memon Colony this afternoon. The city remained on tenterhooks, and security personnel were out in strength in sensitive pockets. One person had died yesterday following a clash over installation of tazias in Panigate area.Police said the violence began after someone among the processionists at Ekta Bhawan spread rumours that tazias at the end of the procession were attacked. Following this, the two communities had clashed, forcing police to open fire and lob tear gas. Two processionists were injured in the firing. The violence spread to Noorani Masjid and other areas, K.B. Jadeja, Inspector in-charge of Panigate police station, said. Tension has been in the air ever since.On Friday, 30-year-old Ganesh Nandubhai Punwani was chased and stabbed repeatedly by a 10-strong group at 12.15 pm near Noorani Masjid. A businessman from Manjalpur area of the city, Punwani was riding pillion on a scooter with his Muslim friend. They were attacked near the mosque but managed to stay ahead.The mob, which had now swelled to 50, chased the vehicle and pulled Punwani off the vehicle. He was repeatedly stabbed on his chest and died on the spot.DCP (South) Wabang Jamir said the mob comprised about 50 people and 10 persons have been booked in connection with the killing. Reportedly, police also picked up a mentally challenged youth, from his house. Meanwhile, Chotalal Limbasi Borse (35), who was injured in last night’s clash, succumbed to injuries at SSG Hospital in the wee hours of Friday. He was stabbed near Iman Chambers. The body of 24-year-old Mohammed Faheem, who died in police firing last night, was buried on Friday afternoon. The condition of Imran Patel, who was also injured in today’s police firing, is also reported to be serious.
