Vadodara Communal Clashes to disturb Navaratri.

Hindu-Muslim clashes in Vadodara after morphed facebook posting and stabbing as an effect….

Vadodara remains tensed after communal clashes; 140 arrested, cops transferred

HE Media Bureau | Vadodara (Gujarat) | Sep 30, 2014:: No untoward incident was reported in the city on Monday, which witnessed clashes between two communities over the last four days, but the situation remained tense amid a large police presence.

Violence erupted in Yakutpura, Panjrapole, Fatehpura and Kumbharvada in the city on Thursday over some derogatory posts about a religion on a social networking site.

There were incidents of stone pelting, looting, arson and stabbing, mostly in the old city which has a mixed population.

However, no violence was reported on Monday, police said.

Communal clashes erupted at Kotiyarknagar near Panigate on Sunday, forcing the police to open fire in air. Teargas shells were lobbed to disperse the mobs that gathered after a man was stabbed on Waghodia Road on Sunday afternoon.

Another person was stabbed in Champaner Gate even as the city police struggled to maintain peace in the communally sensitive areas that have been witnessing rioting since Thursday. Two more SRPF companies were deployed to contain the situation, police said.

Several Walled City areas witnessed heavy rioting on Thursday and Friday. The trouble began in Fatehpura after a tuition class owner posted a morphed picture of a famous Muslim religious shrine. The riots then spread to many other areas.

Cellular data services, including 2G and 3G internet services barring landline broadband, group SMS as well as MMS services were ordered shut till Tuesday morning. No formal announcement was made regarding this by the city police or the internet service providers.

Authorities have deployed 13 companies of state reserve police and one company each of BSF, CRPF and Rapid Action Force. Six senior IPS officers who have served in Vadodara in the past have also been stationed in the city.

Police have arrested around 140 persons so far.

Ministers Nitin Patel and Rajni Patel have visited the city, apart from director general of police PC Thakur and additional chief secretary, home, SK Nanda.

Police sources said some inspector-rank officers were transferred within the city to ensure that more competent officers were present to handle the situation in the areas affected by the violence.