Colour turns chaotic over trivial issue; Violent clashes in Garkheda, Waluj

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

A minor dispute during Dhulivandan over applying colours escalated into violent clashes between two groups in Garkheda and Waluj, triggering overnight tension. Assaults with sticks and iron rods were reported, while stone-pelting and vandalism took place in Indiranagar, Garkheda. Jawaharnagar police registered cross-cases and detained more than seven suspects.

According to Santosh Vishnu Kharat’s complaint, a dispute between Bharat, Nikhil and Javed on March 3 led to an assault on him by Gulab and Sattar Khan when he tried to mediate. He alleged that his two sisters and sister-in-law were also seriously injured. In a counter-complaint, Sattar Khan Mohammad accused Vikas, Akash, Yogesh and Santosh Kharat of waylaying and assaulting him around 2 pm. Later, around 11 pm, 12 to 15 unidentified persons allegedly pelted stones, abused residents and damaged electricity meters and six to seven two-wheelers, including Yogesh Kharat’s vehicle. Senior officers, including deputy commissioner of police Prashant Swami, rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Riot control personnel were deployed and a third case was registered on Raju Jadhav’s complaint. Residents staged a protest outside Jawaharnagar police station demanding strict action. An illegal liquor trade angle is also being probed.