Communal Clashes During Ram Navami Rallies In 4 States, 2 Killed: 10 Points

Parts of Madhya Pradesh's Khargone were placed under curfew after violence and arson during a Ram Navami procession, a senior official said. Police have been deployed in large numbers to prevent any flare-up.

Additional Collector SS Mujalde said clashes broke out when stones were allegedly thrown at a procession that started from Talab Chowk area following an altercation over playing music from loudspeakers. "Police had to fire teargas shells to control the situation," Mr Mujalde said.

Many policemen, including police superintendent Siddharth Chaudhary, were injured. Four houses were set on fire and a temple vandalised. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan have termed the incidents "unfortunate" and said the culprits have been identified and strict action would be taken.

In Gujarat, communal clashes took place in Anand district's Khambhat and Sabarkantha district's Himmatnagar, news agency PTI reported. Stone pelting and arson was reported at both places and police had to fire teargas shells to control the situation, officials said.

In Khambhat, Police superintendent Ajeet Rajyan said, "The body of an unidentified man, who appears to be around 65 years old, was recovered from the spot where the two groups clashed during a Ram Navami procession."

In Himmatnagar, a mob damaged some vehicles and shops and police had to use teargas shells to control the situation, PTI reported. "During the melee, some persons were hit by stones," Sabarkantha's police chief Vishal Vaghela said.

In Bengal's Howrah, policemen have been positioned in large numbers after reports of clashes during a Ram Navami procession in the Shibpur area. Police have said they are taking steps to maintain peace.

The opposition BJP has alleged that the police had attacked the Ram Navami procession. Leader of Opposition in Assembly Suvendu Adhikari accused police personnel of raining blows on those participating in the Ram Navami procession.

Police have requested residents in Howrah to maintain restraint while posting anything on social media and have warned them against spreading any fake news.

Reports of stone-pelting and arson on Ram Navami processions have also come in from Jharkhand's Lohardaga. News agency ANI reported that one man succumbed to the injuries. Several others have been reportedly injured. Heavy force is on ground to keep the peace.