Mumbai: All 21 people, who were arrested by Malvani Police, in connection with the scuffle between two groups during 'Ram Navami' Shobha Yatra in Malad's Malvani area yesterday, were produced before Borivali court today.
All of them have been sent to Police custody till 6th April, news agency ANI reported.
Tensions in Malvani after stone-pelting on Ram Navmi procession
High tension prevailed in Malvani area of Malad on Thursday night following the stone pelting on a Ram Navami procession.
According to reports, 21 people were arrested after a scuffle occurred yesterday between two groups during the 'Ram Navami' Shobha Yatra in Malad's Malvani area. Case filed against more than 200 unidentified people for jeopardising the atmosphere in the area.
According to Tajindar Tiwana, a local activist, when the large procession passed in front of a masjid in gate no. 7 area the loudspeakers were switched off "as in years before."
However, the devotees Savera building further down the road a hail of stones greeted them. Over seven people were reported to be seriously injured.
Police reached the spot and brought situation under control
Police swiftly took action and reached at the spot to control the situation. One person was injured in the violence. Soon the situation was dealed by the police and brought under total control.
"Tension prevailed for some time during the Ram Navami procession in Malvani area but the police handled it & the situation is under control. One person suffered minor injuries in the incident. Legal action is being taken & further probe is underway," said Ajay Bansal, DCP Mumbai.
The local unit of the Bharatiya Yuva Morcha of the BJP then staged a demonstration demanding the transfer of Sr PI Bhalerao for "failing to protect Ram devotees".
Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha speaks about the incident
"The procession was taken out after permission from the police, it was stopped in between during the time of namaz. Despite that such incident is unfortunate. Dy CM Fadnavis has ordered the probe. Normalcy was restored & many people were arrested," said Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
Communal violence broke in other parts of state too
Communal violence broke out in Aurangabad city on Wednesday, in which a posse of policemen was targeted and many of their vehicles burnt. The violence was reportedly triggered by an argument between youths from two religious groups. The city has been witnessing polarisation following the Maharashtra government’s decision to rename the district after Chhatrapati Sambhaji, a move which was opposed by local Muslims led by Member of Parliament Imtiyaz Jaleel of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen.
Violence occurred on the eve of Ram Navami
Police were particularly worried since the violence took place on the eve of Ram Navami. Apart from local police, State Reserve Police Force troops were rushed to bring the situation under control. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is handling the home portfolio, was closely monitoring the situation. There was violence in Jalgaon on Thursday, triggered by the alleged playing of music in front of a mosque by participants in a Ram Navami procession. Reportedly, no one was reportedly injured in the violence, which was controlled by the swift action of the police.
