Mumbai: The use of DJ music in a religious procession that passed in front of a mosque caused a scuffle between two communities in Paldhi, Jalgaon district, Maharashtra before it escalated into full-blown violence on Tuesday.
According to the police, the violence broke out after an argument over the use of music in front of a mosque when a 'dindi', a religious procession en route from Jalgaon to Vani in Nashik district, passed through Paldhi village.
The Indian Express report stated that the police denied the local's claims that the houses of Muslims were looted and that property was damaged.
The police reported that there was stone pelting between two sides, but they were able to restore order quickly. According to a police press release, two cases have been filed so far charging nine Hindus and 63 Muslims with rioting and assault on government officials, respectively.
However, a local resident who wished to remain anonymous claimed that despite the mosque's proximity to a police outpost, many Muslim houses in the vicinity were attacked and looted.
In another violent clash that occurred yesterday evening between two groups in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, a police team and several of their vehicles were set on fire. The police reported that an argument between two groups of young men had escalated into a clash.
To prevent any communal escalation, especially during the celebration of Ram Navami and the month of Ramzan, a heavy police force has been deployed to the area. The police said that the situation is now under control.
About 500-600 people were involved in the attack and have yet to be identified, according to Police Commissioner Nikhil Gupta. The incident took place in Kiradpura, which is known for its famous Ram temple.