Ram Navami clashes: CM Shivraj Singh says 'no place for rioteers in MP'

Update: 2022-04-11 05:32 GMT
Police take stock of the situation in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh where communal clashes erupted during Ram Navami processions. Photo: Twitter @PROJSKhargone

One person was killed as communal clashes erupted in four states – Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Jharkhand, during Ram Navami processions on Sunday (April 10).

In Gujarat, a person lost his life and another one was injured in Khambhat city. Himmatnagar too witnessed violence, police said.

The clashing groups indulged in stone pelting and arson at both the places and the police had to lob tear gas shells to bring the situation under control, officials said.

“The body of an unidentified man, who appears to be around 65 years old, was recovered from the spot in Khambhat, where two groups pelted each other with stones after a clash broke out between them during a Ram Navami procession late this afternoon,” Superintendent of Police Ajeet Rajyan said.

Another person was injured and a few shop cabins were set on fire by the miscreants during the incident, he said, adding that the situation was later brought under control using tear gas shells.

The deceased appears to have died due to the injuries he suffered during the clash. Investigation into the incident is underway, Rajyan said.

A similar clash was reported in Himmatnagar and police had to use tear gas shells to control the violent mob that damaged some vehicles and shops, police said.

In Bengal’s Howrah too clashes were reported. The opposition BJP alleged that police personnel “thrashed” people who were participating in a Ram Navami procession.

“Ram Bhakts aren’t safe in WB. Howrah Police Commissionerate personnel thrashed participants of a Ram Navami procession at Shibpur. Many got injured. Can’t Sanatani devotees practice their religion in this State safely? (sic),” BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari tweeted with videos and pictures.

In Madhya Pradesh, curfew was clamped in the entire Khargone city on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday after stones were hurled at a Ram Navami procession. Stone-pelting triggered arson and torching of some vehicles and houses, a senior official said on Monday. Police had to fire tear gas shells to control the situation.

MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed the situation and said the rioteers will not be spared. “The Khargone incident was unfortunate. We have identified the culprits and they will be put behind bars. They will also be made to pay for the losses to both public and private properties,” the CM said on Monday (April 11).

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra said the situation in Khargone is under control. The police have identified 77 people.

Khargone Collector Anugrah P said citizens have been asked to step out of home only for medical emergencies and added that the situation is under control.

The collector also said that strict action will be taken against those sharing objectionable messages and videos of the Khargone incident on social media.

MP Agriculture Minister Kamal Patel, who is also in-charge of Khargone district, tweeted that he had spoken to IG and collector over phone and instructed them to take strict action against rioters.

According to reports, Jharkhand’s Lohardaga too witnessed stone-pelting and arson incidents during Ram Navami processions and several people were injured.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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