Amid rising religious tensions curfew imposed in Maharashtra

Curfew imposed in Maharashtra: Amid rising religious tensions in various parts of India, Achalpur city in the Amravati district of Maharashtra imposed curfew to curb a clash that emerged owing to removal of religious flags on Sunday midnight.

Members of two communities pelted each other with stones over the removal of religious flags, to which police responded by firing tear gas shells, officials said on Monday. 22 persons involved in the incident have been taken into custody, confirmed additional Superintendent of Police, Shashikant Satav.

He further added that the situation is under control now.  However, the number of people who have been injured in the incident is still unknow. Police said residents put up flags of various religions atop the Khidki Gate and the Dulha Gate at the main entrance of Achalpur, located 48 km away from Amravati district headquarters, every year during various festivals.

These incidents occur, as clashes took place in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri areas during a Hanuman Jayanti rally. Policepersons were injured in this incident when a certain accused allegedly fired “7-8″ rounds.  

“On Sunday midnight, some anti-social elements removed flags of religion, leading to an altercation which escalated into stone-pelting. Police used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd,” a police inspector said. However, the timely intervention by SRPF (State Reserve Police Force) and local police brought the situation under control, he added.