Clashes in Vadodara ahead of by-polls

In the last four days, Gujarat’s Vadodara district has witnessed three group clashes between two communities. While nearly 70 people have been arrested for rioting, the district police said the skirmishes were not communal in nature.

The latest clash saw a confrontation between two groups in the Fatehpura area on Sunday night, followed by stone-pelting. A youth from one community was riding a motorbike and accidently brushed against a youth from another community, in what the police termed “a simple accident.” An argument ensued and the situation turned volatile as locals joined in. Following the stone- pelting, the police fired in the air to disperse the crowd.

On August 28, a clash erupted during a Ganpati procession at Bavamanpua in Panigate locality.

Again on August 29, four people were injured after two communities clashed during a Ganpati procession in the Bhandwada area.

“Participants in the procession began bursting crackers and playing music, which continued for a long time. When they were asked to go, there was a confrontation. Both sides resorted to stone-pelting and the police had to fire teargas to control the situation. The procession itself was held late, beyond the stipulated hour and bursting crackers there was also illegal,” a police officer said