VADODARA: No untoward incident was reported in the city on Monday, which witnessed clashes between two communities over the last four days, but the situation remained tense amid a large police presence.
Violence erupted in Yakutpura, Panjrapole, Fatehpura and Kumbharvada in the city on Thursday over some derogatory posts about a religion on a social networking site.
There were incidents of stone pelting, looting, arson and stabbing, mostly in the old city which has a mixed population.
However, no violence was reported on Monday, police said.
Police lob teargas shells at rioters in Vadodara. (PTI photo)
Authorities have deployed 13 companies of state reserve police and one company each of BSF, CRPF and Rapid Action Force. Six senior IPS officers who have served in Vadodara in the past have also been stationed in the city.
Ministers Nitin Patel and Rajni Patel have visited the city, apart from director general of police PC Thakur and additional chief secretary, home, SK Nanda.
Police sources said some inspector-rank officers were transferred within the city to ensure that more competent officers were present to handle the situation in the areas affected by the violence.
Rapid Action Force personnel fire teargas shells at rioters in Vadodara. (PTI photo)
AFP reports quoting Vadodara ACP:
“We have now arrested over 200 people from both the communities in the last three days,” said DJ Patel, additional commissioner of Vadodara Police. Police said Sunday 40 arrests were made.
“The man, a teacher, who posted the controversial message on WhatsApp has also been arrested,” Patel told AFP.