A dispute between two groups in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, on Friday night escalated into a violent clash. Both sides engaged in stone-pelting, and vehicles were targeted. Police swiftly intervened to bring the situation under control, and a heavy police presence was deployed in the area. Four police officers sustained injuries during the unrest.
In the Siddharthnagar area of Kolhapur, an enraged crowd set fire to a tempo and a car, and vandalized several other vehicles. Tensions arose over the removal of a stage set up near the Siddharthnagar command for the anniversary of the Rajebagswar Football Club, leading to heavy stone-pelting between the two groups.
Police managed to control the situation, although the atmosphere remained tense late into the night. The situation has since calmed down. Police and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) have been deployed throughout Siddharthnagar.
SP Yogesh Kumar stated that a clash occurred between people of two communities. The communities have been separated due to some misunderstanding, and the situation is under control. Further action is underway. Initial information suggests that tensions arose between the two communities during an event. He urged people from both communities not to pay attention to any fake viral messages.
Police officials are identifying those who caused the ruckus last night. Police action is being prepared against the rioters based on CCTV footage and eyewitness statements.
Following the unrest, police have appealed to citizens not to heed rumors and to refrain from spreading inflammatory messages on social media. The administration has deployed additional police forces in the area.