Clashes Erupt in Bharuch and Surat Amid Religious Tensions

Days after a stone-pelting incident at a Ganesh pandal in Surat. Gujarat’s Bharuch city witnessed a violent clash between members of two religious communities.

The altercation, according to local police, stemmed from the installation of religious flags in the Gokul Nagar area, further escalating tensions.

Clash Over Religious Flags in Bharuch:

On Tuesday night, members of two communities engaged in a dispute over the installation of flags in the mixed-population locality of Gokul Nagar in anticipation of Eid-e-Milad celebrations. Bharuch Superintendent of Police (SP) Mayur Chavda reported that stone-pelting ensued, resulting in injuries to two individuals.

“Our teams were immediately rushed to the spot, and they dispersed the mobs. Two persons were injured in the stone-pelting,” Chavda said, adding that 17 people from one side were detained following a complaint from the opposing community.

An FIR was registered against 20 individuals involved in the violence, and some vehicles were damaged during the clash. The situation is currently under control, according to authorities.

Stone-Pelting Incident at Ganesh Pandal in Surat:

The violent altercation in Bharuch followed closely on the heels of a similar incident in Surat. Six minors reportedly threw stones at a Ganesh pandal in the Saydepura area on Sunday night. The disturbance led to a larger melee, prompting police intervention.

Authorities detained the minors and arrested 27 adults in connection with the Surat incident. To restore order, police resorted to lathi charges and used teargas. The situation required deploying 1,000 security personnel across the city to maintain peace in Gujarat’s diamond hub.

Increased Tensions Ahead of Religious Festivals:

Tensions in Bharuch and Surat highlight rising communal sensitivities as religious festivals approach. The Bharuch clash, specifically linked to the upcoming Eid-e-Milad, reflects the growing need for proactive measures to avoid violence during this period of religious significance.

Despite the unrest, local police in both cities are working to maintain law and order, with additional security deployed in sensitive areas.

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