Online Desk: Several areas of Maharashtra witnessed communal violence during the bandh called by a Hindutva group, Sakal Hindu Samaj. The bandh was observed to protest reported attacks on minorities in Bangladesh during the recent political uprising in that country.

Several incidents of stone pelting and vandalisation of properties were reported from Nashik and Jalgaon. There were also reports of clashes in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) and Ahmednagar.

Clashes erupted in Nashik when Sakal Hindu Samaj members tried to shut down some shops forcibly, officials said. As the protesters reached the Bhadrakali Police Station area, they noticed some open shops, defying the bandh call. This led to heated arguments between the two groups which eventually led to violence wherein stones were pelted freely. The situation was brought under control as the police intervened and pacified the warring groups.

Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik claimed that peace prevails in the area but tension is palpable. “Six tear gas shells and one rubber bullet were fired to disperse the conflicting groups. Around six policemen were injured. Police personnel, including State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) jawans, have been deployed in the area to maintain peace.”

Two civilians were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. The police have filed an FIR against miscreants and are identifying and arresting them.

“Clashes between two groups were reported from the Bhadrakali Police Station area earlier in the day. Our alert teams immediately responded and brought the situation under control. We are in the process of registering cases and arresting the miscreants. Additional forces have been deployed to maintain peace. We appeal to citizens not to believe in rumours. All shall maintain peace and cooperate with the police,” a statement from the Nashik city police said.

In Jalgaon, violence erupted when stones were hurled at a vehicle showroom during Sakal Hindu Samaj’s protest march.

“The incident occurred in Jalgaon city this morning during a protest march by the Sakal Hindu Samaj against the anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh. Some unidentified persons hurled a few stones at a two-wheeler showroom. The glass facade of the showroom got damaged,” an official was quoted in the media.

Hundreds of supporters of the Sakal Hindu Samaj took part in the march and the protesters later went to the collector’s office and handed over a memorandum listing their demands.

The incident led to tension for some time, but the situation was brought under control following the intervention of the police, he said. Police personnel were deployed in strength in Jalgaon city as a precautionary measure, he said.

In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, tension flared after Muslim groups held protests against Hindu religious leader Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj’s inflammatory statements against Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Similar protests were held in Ahmednagar and Nashik districts, resulting in multiple FIRs being filed against the priest for offending religious sentiments.