One person was killed and another one injured in a communal clash in Khambhat city of Gujarat during a procession taken out on the occasion of Ram Navami on Sunday, while Himmatnagar city in the state also witnessed violence between members of two communities during a similar event, police said.
Police have arrested nine people for their alleged involvement in violence and stone-pelting during a procession on Ram Navami at Khambat, while Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) Section 144 has been imposed in Himmatnagar town of Sabarkantha following a similar incident there, officials said on Monday.
The clashing groups indulged in stone pelting and arson at both the places and the police had to lob tear gas shells to bring the situation under control, officials said.
While Khambhat city is located in Anand district, Himmatnagar lies in Sabarkantha district.
"The body of an unidentified man, who appears to be around 65 years old, was recovered from the spot in Khambhat, where two groups pelted each other with stones after a clash broke out between them during a Ram Navami procession late this afternoon," Superintendent of Police Ajeet Rajian said.
Another person was injured and a few shop cabins were set on fire by the miscreants during the incident, he said, adding that the situation was later brought under control using tear gas shells.
The deceased appears to have died due to the injuries he suffered during the clash. Investigation into the incident is underway, Rajian said.
Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi called a meeting of top police officials in Gandhinagar late Sunday night over these incidents and gave necessary orders, they said.
Nine people allegedly involved in the violence and stone-pelting have been arrested so far, according to Rajian.
"The situation in Khambhat town is under control. We have already arrested nine suspects and started further investigation," he said.
A similar clash was reported in Himmatnagar and police had to use tear gas shells to control the violent mob that damaged some vehicles and shops, police said.
"Two groups clashed and pelted each other with stones over a Ram Navami procession. During the melee, some persons were hit by stones. But the situation was brought under control in some time," Vishal Vaghela, Sabarkantha's Superintendent of Police, said.
The agitators also set on fire three to four two-wheelers.
A large deployment of police personnel is has been made to maintain law and order there, he said.
As per police sources, those arrested include some local maulvis (priests).
Sabarkantha Collector Hitesh Koya in an order issued on Sunday evening imposed Section 144 of CrPC, which prohibits gathering of more than five people, in some sensitive areas of the town, including Chhaparia area where arson took place.
The prohibitory orders will remain in force till April 13.
Personnel of the Rapid Action Force, local police and the State Reserve Police conducted a march in Chhaparia area.
