A dispute between two groups —one Hindu and one Muslim — resulted in stone pelting during the Ganesh visarjan (immersion) procession in Bharuch late on Monday evening. At least six persons were injured in the clash. The police lobbed tear gas shells to disperse the mob.
The incident occurred when a procession from Ghikhudia area in Bharuch was allegedly obstructed by a group of people from Bahar ni Undai area, who complained about loud music being played by the procession, police said. The situation turned ugly when some police officials were attacked and the mob started pelting stones. Apart from lobbing two teargas shells, the police also fired a round in the air to disperse the irate mob.
Inspector A S Shukla of Bharuch police (A division) said, “Around 18 people from both the communities have been arrested following the incident.”
The incident occurred near a religious place in Bahar ni Undai area, said Shukla who is investigating the case. “Around four police constables and two civilians from Bharuch were injured. A police motorcycle was also damaged and the mob also tried to snatch away a rifle from a policeman.”
