Aurangabad burns as communal clashes break out over water
Violence broke out in Aurangabad yesterday reportedly after water supply to a religious place was disconnected. Youths pelted stones and damaged property. In a fresh bout of rampage this morning, at least 100 shops were gutted. Some 10 policemen have been injured in the clashes. Unconfirmed reports say one person has been killed. Section 144 has now been imposed.
Purported visuals of Aurangabad burning
Stone pelting, arson reported from Gandhinagar, Shahganj, Chelipura and elsewhere
Reports say violence erupted in several parts of the city including Gandhinagar, Rajabazar, Shahganj, Chelipura, Motikaranja and Anguribagh. Footage showed mobs out on streets pelting stones and setting vehicles ablaze. Policemen fired teargas shells to control the violent crowd. TOI attributed the clashes to an argument between miscreants, who demanded money from a mechanic in Gandhinagar for liquor, and the latter, who refused.
Police commissioner appeals for peace, warns of action against violators
Aurangabad CP Milind Bharambe appealed for peace: "Do not take law in your own hands. If one group is pelting stones, the other group is requested to keep calm and not respond in kind. The police is doing its duty."