INDORE (TIP): Close on the heels of clashes in Dewas and Mandsaur districts, tension gripped Manawar town of Dhar district on February 11 when a group pelted stones at a religious procession, leading to a violent clash. Later, as people from the two groups re-grouped in the two they set on fire six shops besides damaging vehicles on the road. Prohibitory orders under section 144 were imposed in the town.

Trouble broke out at around 4.30 pm when a group verbally abused others taking part in a procession near Nala Chowk of Manawar. Though police controlled the situation there, some people pelted stones at the procession in Juni Manawar area of the town. The other group too retaliated, leading to injuries to several people. Police lobbed tear gas shells and cane-charged the violent crowd.Soon people locked themselves inside their houses and market wore a deserted look. Nearly a dozen persons were injured and rushed to hospital for treatment.However, it didn’t end there and the warring sides re-grouped again near Manawar bus stand. A group set afire six shops, two buses and a motorbike, besides vandalising other shops and vehicles.

Dhar district collector and SP took stock of the situation and directed the cops to arrest anti-social elements. Superintendent of police, Dhar, Shashikant Shukla said, “There was a clash between two groups during the procession. Section 144 has been imposed in the area and we are identifying the people responsible for violence and will soon arrest them. Situation is under control, now. Additional force has been deployed in the area to avoid any further trouble.”

Source: TOI