Satara: A reported objectionable social media post by youths from a particular community caused communal clashes between two communities in the Khatav taluka of Maharashtra's Satara district on Sunday resulting in one fatality and at least three individuals sustaining injuries.
A senior police officer from Satara confirmed the death of one person during the clashes and disclosed that several others are currently hospitalized, receiving medical attention for their injuries. The situation, while tense, is reported to be under control thanks to the deployment of police forces to maintain peace.
The clashes primarily unfolded in the quiet village of Pusesavali, situated approximately 50 kilometres away from the Satara district headquarters and 160 kilometres from Pune. Preliminary investigations indicate that the violence was sparked by social media posts allegedly made by youths from a particular community in the area.
The ensuing clashes on Sunday night around 9:30 p.m. resulted in one person being critically injured, and multiple houses were set ablaze, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
As a precautionary measure, the Satara district administration swiftly suspended internet services in the region to curtail the spread of misinformation and potentially incendiary content. This move is intended to prevent further escalation of the situation and maintain public safety.
In response to the ongoing unrest, the Satara district administration issued a public appeal through their social media channels. Satara District Collector Jitendra Dudi and Police Superintendent Samir Shaikh jointly urged citizens to exercise caution and refrain from believing or spreading rumours.
They emphasized the importance of responsible social media usage, urging people not to post any content that could exacerbate communal tensions and disrupt law and order.
The administration implored citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious or untoward incidents to the authorities. The appeal underscores the collective responsibility of the community to maintain peace and harmony within the region.