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| Windows were broken, and vehicles were thrashed, with stickers of Lord Hanuman being scratched off the car bumpers, with verbal abuses being hurled. (Image:Twitter) |
In a disturbing turn of events ahead of the 'Pran Prathistha' ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Mumbai's Mira Road witnessed a communal clash involving members of the Hindu and Muslim communities. Videos depicting the tense situation have surfaced on social media, showing alleged attacks on vehicles bearing Lord Ram flags by members of the Muslim community. The incident has led to the arrest of 13 individuals, with ongoing efforts to identify additional suspects through CCTV footage analysis.
The Unfolding Incident
The incident unfolded on Sunday night in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road, adjacent to Mumbai. Members of the Hindu community, traveling in three to four vehicles, were reportedly raising slogans and chanting 'Jai Shree Ram.' This led to a verbal altercation with individuals from the Muslim community. Viral videos captured the escalation, showing vehicles being attacked, windows broken, and Lord Hanuman stickers being scratched off car bumpers. The situation prompted the prompt arrival of the police, who took several individuals into custody.
DCP Jayant Bajbale provided insight into the incident, stating, "At around 11 pm yesterday, some people from the Hindu community were raising slogans in 3-4 vehicles in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road. Subsequently, an argument ensued with individuals from the Muslim community."
Police Response and Arrests
The police swiftly intervened, and the situation was brought under control. Five individuals were arrested on Sunday night, and additional arrests were made on Monday, bringing the total to 13. In response to the incident, a flag march was conducted in the area to ensure peace on Monday morning. A case has been registered at the Naya Nagar Police Station against the five initially arrested individuals.
DCP Jayant Bajbale highlighted the efforts to maintain law and order, stating, "The complete details of the incident in the Nayanagar area of Mira-Bhyander were compiled last night. Police have been instructed to take strict action against the accused."
Political Response and Zero Tolerance
The incident has garnered political attention, with BJP MLA Nitesh Rane expressing strong condemnation. In a social media post, he warned that those involved would face consequences. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also weighed in, conducting a detailed analysis of the incident. Fadnavis emphasized zero tolerance for any attempts to disrupt law and order in Maharashtra.
In a statement, Fadnavis said, "Any attempt to disrupt law and order in Maharashtra will face zero tolerance. The complete details of the incident in the Nayanagar area of Mira-Bhyander were compiled last night. Police have been instructed to take strict action against the accused."
Ongoing Investigations and Future Measures
As investigations continue, authorities are examining CCTV footage to identify additional suspects involved in the clash. The incident raises concerns about communal tensions and the need for proactive measures to prevent such occurrences. The prompt police response and political statements affirm the commitment to maintaining law and order in the region.
The fallout from this incident is likely to prompt discussions on community relations, security measures, and the role of authorities in preventing and managing such clashes. Stay tuned for updates on the ongoing investigations and any further developments in the aftermath of the communal clash in Mira Road.