Communal clash in Rajasthan's Baran; Curfew clamped, Internet suspended

Jaipur: A Curfew was clamped and internet services suspended in Chhabra town of Rajasthan's Baran district as communal violence broke out in the town on Sunday.

According to the Police reports, two groups from different communities pelted stones on each other and several vehicles and six shops were put on fire, on Sunday. A few shops were also looted and police carried out a baton charge to disperse the crowd.

The District Collector announced imposition of curfew in the evening and later, the Divisional Commissioner announced suspension of internet.

Sunday's clash was an extension of an incident reported on Saturday, when Kamal Singh, a resident of Ahmedpura, faced comments while he was buying fruits. The matter escalated when the other side took out sharp knives. The shopkeepers present there intervened, but in the meantime, two people were injured, and taken to the hospital for treatment.

After the incident, people reached the local police station and demanded action against the accused. Police interrogated three youths and took them in custody.

However, on Sunday, a few people gathered at the same area while people from other communities also came there.

As members of the two communities came face to face, they started pelting stones on each other, and the matter escalated with the arson and looting.

The fire brigade was also vandalised, before police reached the spot, and used force to disperse the mob.

A few people have been taken into custody, the police informed.

(With inputs from IANS)