Violence erupted in Aurangabad on Friday night, resulting in the death of two persons, including a policeman. The violence was allegedly instigated by a city corporator, according to Times of India.
The clash between two groups reportedly broke out as the water connection to a religious place was disconnected in Motikaranja.
Several youngsters took to streets and started pelting stones. In order to contain the violence, police had fired tear gas shells. The violence resulted in more than 20 members being injured. Several shops were gutted in the incident. According to reports, a 17-year-old, resident of Rengiputa, succumbed to bullet injuries in the violence while he was undergoing treatment.
In the incident several policemen including an assistant commissioner were reportedly injured.
In response to the violence, All India Majlis-e-Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday appealed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to initiate a probe into the violence between two groups.
AIMIM chief also said that peace must prevail in the city.
Communal Riot Aurangabad,shops have burned ,report of death 1 person due to police firing shops near Shahganj Masjid,Angori Bagh ,Nawabpura damaged @CMOMaharashtra should order a probe especially the role Racchu PAHELWAN ,send additional forces Peace must prevail @imtiaz_jaleel
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) May 12, 2018
In another tweet he requested the victims to maintain peace and said that the AIMIM trust would provide relief.
I have requested Advocate Khizar Patel to ensure that people whose shops are burned/damaged must give a complaint to concerned PS & get FIR registered ,MIM party Will inshallah provide Aid & relief through its MIM relief Trust but request people to maintain peace
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) May 12, 2018
Police also imposed Section 144 and snapped the internet services in the city to prevent spread of further violence. Section 144 prevents congregation of more than four members in public.
Aurangabad Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe said there were two rounds of violence, one Friday evening followed by another on Saturday, but "now the situation is under control."
"It was a small issue... It escalated due to rumours and the tensions spread... Some anti-social elements indulged in setting ablaze shops and vehicles in the locality," Bharambe told the media.
The worst-hit areas were Shahganj, Nawabpura, Rajabazaar and Angribaug which continued to remain calm but tense.
The state government deployed units of the State Reserve Police Force, Indian Reserve Battalion from the city, besides rushing forces from neighbouring Beed and Jalna to maintain peace.
Aurangabad CP Milind Bharambe appealed to protestors to maintain peace and not take law into their hands, he said, “I appeal to the citizens to maintain peace, do not take law in your own hands. If one group is pelting stones, the other group is requested to keep calm not respond, the police is doing its legal duty. Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed, if group of people are found to be breaking the curfew we will take strict action against them.”
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been apprised of the matter while Minister of State for Home Deepak Kesarkar is rushing to Aurangabad to take stock of the situation, an official said in Mumbai.
Located in the Marathwada region of the state, Aurangabad is world-renowned for the famous Ajanta-Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara and other historical landmarks.
With IANS inputs