Violence rocks Lunawada again, curfew imposed

A large posse of State Reserve Police Force, which rushed to the spot, also faced the ire of the mob. They fired at least two rounds and lobbed teargas shells to control the mobs. Panchmahals police in-charge N.D. Solanki said the situation was brought under control in 15 minutes. He said the curfew, which had been relaxed for fours hours, had to be withdrawn after the violence.

‘‘It was reimposed as we feared the situation might go out of hand,’’ Solanki said. In order to track down the miscreants responsible for the violence, a massive hunt has been launched. ‘‘The combing will continue in the night.’’

Additional police personnel from Godhra have been despatched to the township and nearly 45 persons arrested for arson and rioting. ‘‘Lunawada and nearby areas are peaceful now but the curfew continues,’’ Solanki said.