Maharashtra: Communal clashes in Aurangabad over water, one killed

At least one person was killed and over 100 shops were gutted on Saturday following Friday night’s clashes between members of two communities over water in Maharashtra's Aurangabad.

The clashes erupted in on Friday after water connection to a religious place of one particular community was reportedly disconnected.

The situation escalated further on Saturday morning and an angry mob set properties on fire. Around 40 to 50 vehicles were also torched by the mob.

Following the clashes, a huge contingent of anti-riot police was deployed in Aurangabad and section 144 (prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area) was imposed in the area.

Aurangabad CP Milind Bharambe appealed people to maintain peace and warned of strict action against those found breaking curfew.

“I appeal to the citizens to maintain peace, do not take law in your own hands. If one group is pelting stones, the other group is requested to keep calm not respond in kind, the police is doing its duty. Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed, if group of people are found to be breaking the curfew we will take strict action against them,” Bharambe said.

The police said that the situation was under control after a curfew was imposed in the area.

Clash between two groups in Maharashtra's Aurangabad last night, many shops and vehicles set ablaze. Police use teargas shells. Section 144(prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area) has been imposed in the city pic.twitter.com/tPb3j0Ua1A

— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2018