MHOW/INDORE: Police arrested thirteen people following violent clashes in Mhow town of Madhya Pradesh, where a celebratory rally for India’s ICC Champions Trophy final victory faced stone pelting, officials confirmed on Monday.
The incident, which occurred late Sunday night, resulted in injuries to four people, according to Indore collector Ashish Singh’s statement.
Police reports indicate that violence erupted in five distinct locations across the town in Indore district, resulting in damage to three automobiles and numerous two-wheelers, which were vandalised and burnt.
The collector confirmed that police has detained 13 people for their involvement in arson and violent activities in Mhow town. The situation is presently stable and under surveillance.
Law enforcement personnel promptly responded to reports of unrest, arriving at the affected areas to implement peace-keeping measures, the collector stated.
The authorities have registered an FIR and arrested 13 individuals thus far. Some suspects will face charges under the National Security Act (NSA), according to officials.
Additional FIRs will be registered based on witness statements, the collector indicated, noting that video evidence of the incidents has also been obtained.
“Peace is restored in the area at present. Nobody will be spared and stringent action will be taken against those responsible for it (violence),” he said.
The collector urged citizens to refrain from spreading rumours or messages on social media platforms, cautioning that those engaging in such activities would face consequences.
Explaining the cause of the incidents, the collector stated that the conflict originated near a mosque where participants of a procession got into an altercation with another group, leading to physical confrontation between them.
According to preliminary reports, the procession originated from various locations, and subsequently, a disagreement arose between groups regarding the use of firecrackers.
The official indicated that a thorough investigation would reveal the complete details and identify those responsible for the incident.
In Mhow, police station head Rahul Sharma reported that attackers damaged three cars and twelve two-wheelers, setting them on fire.
The authorities were conducting investigations into five separate incidents that occurred in different locations: Taal Mohalla, Sewa Marg, Patti Bazar, Manek Chowk and Jama Masjid areas.
Officials were analysing CCTV recordings and mobile phone videos to identify the individuals responsible for arson, property damage and stone-throwing incidents.
Additional security forces were deployed to Mhow during late Sunday night.
High-ranking police officials visited Mhow, situated 25 kilometres from Indore’s district headquarters, to assess the situation.
According to residents, young cricket fans had organised a celebratory procession following India’s victory against New Zealand.
The situation escalated when the procession reached the Jama Masjid area, where a large group allegedly began throwing stones at the participants, causing panic and forcing them to abandon their motorcycles and seek safety.
Following the incident, several abandoned motorcycles were set ablaze by individuals, which heightened the already tense situation, according to reports.
On Sunday night, deputy inspector general of police Nimish Agarwal said that celebrations were underway in Mhow, with people taking out a rally to mark India’s Champions Trophy win.
He further stated that during the celebrations, a dispute arose between two groups, which eventually led to stone-pelting between the parties.
Local residents reported that the violent confrontation caused widespread alarm across various neighbourhoods of the town.
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