Bharuch

A day after two persons were killed and at least ten others were injured in clashes between two communities in and around Hansot town of Bharuch district, police today registered five separate FIRs for murder and rioting. According to district police chief Ahire, 17 are arrested so far. Ahire further said that various teams are formed to arrest more suspects.

“A case of murder has been registered against 16 persons for their alleged involvement in killing two local youths yesterday during the riot. We have also registered four FIRs separately against a mob comprising more than 150 persons for their involvement in assault, rioting, attempt to murder and damage to property,” said police inspector of Hansot N D Chaudhari.

Police also scaled down the death toll in yesterday’s clashes, triggered after a scuffle between two groups in nearby Ambetha village on the issue of catching kites during Makarsankranti festival, to two from three as was earlier reported.

Bharuch SP Bipin Ahire had last night said three persons were killed in the violence, but it came to light today that one of them is alive and is in critical condition.

“That person has received serious injuries and admitted to a Surat-based hospital. He is still critical but alive,” Chaudhari clarified.

Meanwhile, security in and around Hansot has been stepped up manifold in the wake of the violence and the situation is totally under control now.

“As a precautionary measure to stop rumours from spreading, we have stopped Internet services in Bharuch district. We have also asked all schools and colleges in Hansot to remain shut. The situation is totally under control” said Chaudhari.

According to police, the tension started last morning when a boy, was thrashed by a youth for catching kites in Ambeta village. Soon, clashes spread to Hansot and religious places and shops were targeted.

Police fired rounds of teargas shells to disperse the mob.

“Family members of the deceased refused to take their bodies for last rites today morning. However, they took possession of the bodies after our intervention,” the police inspector said.

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