Two killed in Maharashtra group clashes; ACP critical

AURANGABAD: At least two persons were killed and more than 40 injured, including 10 policemen, when clashes broke out between two groups in this famed Maharashtra tourist town, an official said.

Minister of State for Home Deepak Kesarkar said that the violence erupted late on Friday following a trivial local issue which angered the people in some areas.

“Due to rumours which circulated like wildfire on social media, it quickly flared up and spread,” Kesarkar said.

In the final tally, the minister said two persons have lost their lives, including one in an arson incident and another in the plastic bullets firing by the police.

“Three Assistant Commissioners of Police and around 10 policemen, besides more than 30 civilians have also been injured. One ACP’S condition is serious and he will be operated on later,” Kesarkar added.

The full-scale rioting resulted in heavy stone-pelting and torching of vehicles and shops in the affected areas even as local police

AUTHORITIES SNAPPED INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS IN AURANGABAD AS A PRECAUTION TO PREVENT RUMOUR-MONGERING

forces rushed to the areas around 10.30 on Friday night.

The authorities snapped Internet and social media networks in the city as a precaution late on Friday to prevent rumourmongering.

Attempting to control the rampaging mobs, police resorted to caning, lobbing teargas shells and fring plastic bullets and imposed prohibitory orders, banning assembly for four or more persons.

However, Kesarkar denied allegations that police may have played a partisan role in the whole affair and said they managed to bring the situation under control very soon.