2 dead, over 30 injured in Aurangabad violence

Two persons were killed and over 30 others, including 20 policemen, were injured after riots broke out in Aurangabad late on Friday night. According to police, the incident may have been triggered by rumours regarding several petty squabbles, which quickly acquired a communal colour.

Rioting began in Moti Karanja area around 10 pm and the situation could be brought under control 12 hours later with the police using teargas shells and plastic bullets.

More than 100 shops and at least 80 vehicles, including police vans, were set on fire during rioting. Over 30 persons were injured, including 20 policemen and seven women. The police have detained at least 40 people for the violence.

One of the deceased is a 17- year- old youth, who had allegedly been brought down by a

police bullet. The other victim was a 65- year- old man, who was trapped in his house when an adjoining shop was set on fire by rioters, the official said.

“One of the reasons behind the volatile situation was a squabble between two persons while buying something, which blew out of control,” said Milind Bharambe, who is holding the additional charge of Aurangabad police commissioner.

“Rioting began in Moti Karanja and spread to Gandhi Nagar, Raza Bazaar, Shah Ganj and Sarafa Bazar areas. After failing to control the mob with batons, the police was forced to resort to firing in the air and lobbing teargas shells,” said an Aurangabad police officer.

A police probe later revealed that tension was already brewing in Moti Karanja area, over the cutting of illegal water lines during a demolition drive. A water line serving a religious shrine was also disconnected, leading to discontent that culminated in rioting.

The situation could be controlled after the district administration issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code ( CrPC), which banned assembly of four or more persons. Internet services were also suspended for 48 hours to curb rumour mongering.