Altercation during Ram temple procession sparks tension in Nagpur, five booked

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Tension prevailed in the Central Avenue area of Nagpur on Monday after the motorcycle of a participant in a Ram temple procession to mark the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya brushed past a pedestrian and the incident escalated into an argument between members of two communities.

A Tehsil police station official said four to five friends of the pedestrian arrived at the spot and assaulted the motorcyclist, leading to supporters of both sides gathering to settle scores, reported newswire PTI.

"A contingent of police personnel and a Quick Response Team was sent to the area to control the situation. Police commissioner Amitesh Kumar too arrived and the situation was defused after officials spoke to both sides. The Ram temple procession had started from Bajeria," he said.

A case of rioting and assault was registered against five persons at Tehsil police station, the official added.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Monday said 13 persons were detained for an alleged assault on a group of persons taking out a vehicle rally in Mira Bhayander area adjoining Mumbai on the eve of the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya.

The clash between members of two communities took place during a vehicle rally in Naya Nagar area at around 10:30pm on Sunday in which 10-12 participants in three cars and an equal number of vehicles were shouting slogans praising Lord Ram, a police official said.

However, when some of them burst firecrackers, a group of people came out of their houses and thrashed those taking part in the rally with sticks and also attacked their vehicles, he said.

"The police intervened quickly and the attackers were dispersed. The area saw heavy police deployment to maintain law and order and to prevent any further flare-up. A company of the Riot Control Police (RCP) is also at the site," the official said.

An FIR was registered at Naya Nagar police against the attackers under Indian Penal Code section 307 (attempt to murder) and other offences, he added.

In a social media post on Monday, Fadnavis said, "I have taken all the details from the local police yesterday itself as I was in touch with the police commissioner till 3.30 am. I have given orders to take strict action against the miscreants."

"So far, 13 accused persons have been detained. The process of identifying more people who were involved in it with the help of CCTV footage is going on. Anyone trying to disrupt law and order in the state will not be tolerated," Fadnavis added.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. (With inputs from PTI)