24 January,2024 01:18 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
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In Thane, Maharashtra, a procession marking the dedication of Lord Ram's idol in the Ayodhya temple was disrupted by a group of 15 armed persons who attacked participants with iron rods, wooden clubs, and sharp objects. The event occurred in Borivali hamlet in the Padgha district, injuring two to three people and causing damage to motorcycles, per PTI report.
According to the report, the attackers allegedly ripped a saffron flag with Lord Ram's picture from a motorbike. A police complaint resulted in the registration of offences under several sections of the Indian Penal Code. Two people have been apprehended, and the search for the remaining suspects is ongoing.
This event follows clashes between two communities during a vehicle rally in Naya Nagar, Thane, resulting in an attempt-to-murder case against 50-60 individuals, with 13 in custody. Additionally, miscreants pelted stones at a procession in Mira Road, Thane, commemorating the Ram temple idol consecration, injuring both participants and police providing security, the report added.
According to the reports, following that, on Tuesday, "illegal" roadside stalls in Naya Nagar were demolished by the local civic body using bulldozers. The action came after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned of strict action against rioters.
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Meanwhile, the cops in Mira Bhayander area have issued an order urging group administrators to refrain from forwarding content related to clashes on social media. The directive aims to maintain communal harmony and said that authorities are prepared to take action against those violating this order.
The stone-throwing event on January 21 at Naya Nagar sparked an investigation, and unlawful constructions were dismantled in the vicinity. The Maharashtra government emphasised the cooperation between the Municipal Corporation and the police in carrying out this measure, another agency report added.
"An investigation is going on in the matter and the accused are being arrested based on evidence. The atmosphere is calm in the area and some people are broadcasting different videos about the incident through various media. Due to this, misunderstandings are spreading in the society. However, no offensive text, video, photo, status, etc., which may hurt the religious sentiments of people of any caste religion regarding the incident, which may create law and order problems and disturb social peace, such as offensive information, post, on WhatsApp," the police had reportedly stated in their statement.
According to the report, the incidents occurred on January 22, coinciding with the Pran Pratishtha celebration at Ayodhya's Ram Temple. The celebration was headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who unveiled the Ram Lalla statue following an hour-long process.
With agency inputs