‘Goat’ dispute sparks violence in Ambhai; Political rivalry allegedly the underlying cause

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The violence that erupted on Tuesday evening in Ambhai village of Sillod is now being viewed as more than just a dispute over mutton payment or a goat transaction. Discussions in the area suggest that the unrest may have been fuelled by political rivalry stemming from the recent Zilla Parishad elections. The incident has left the entire village shaken, with fear gripping women and children.

According to local sources, tensions had already been simmering between two communities during the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in the Ambhai group. Allegations and counter-allegations at the grassroots level, along with provocative campaigning, had deepened divisions. A minor argument over a goat reportedly reignited old animosities, eventually escalating into large-scale violence.

In the incident, Vikram Gawhane, son of defeated BJP Zilla Parishad candidate Tryambak Gawhane, along with another person, sustained serious injuries, while five others suffered minor injuries. The mob not only resorted to stone-pelting but also caused extensive damage to establishments including Mahalaxmi Cloth Store, Jeevan Medical and Shivanjali Collection. CCTV cameras outside Dr Mahor’s clinic were deliberately vandalised. Around 10 to 15 two-wheelers and five four-wheelers were severely damaged.

Normal life disrupted; fear among women and children

Fearing further violence, many schoolchildren stayed away from school on Wednesday, and some even missed their examinations. Women and daily wage labourers confined themselves indoors. The atmosphere in the village reflects anxiety, with women reportedly hesitant to let male family members step out.

Village turns into police camp

Personnel from Ajanta police station and other police units across the district have been deployed in the village. Police conducted late-night searches and arrested 13 accused persons, while several suspects have reportedly gone into hiding. Further investigation is underway based on CCTV footage. Though the village currently remains tense but calm, the incident has strained the long-standing communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims in the area.