Maharashtra: Devendra Fadnavis orders immediate action after clashes between two groups in Mira Road

Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic

Maharashtra Deputy CM and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said that he spoke with the Police Commissioner early in the morning and directed him to take immediate action after last night's violence between two groups in Naya Nagar area of Mira Road.

He said that so far 13 people have been arrested and the police are also identifying others on the basis of CCTV footage.

"They will also be arrested soon", Devendra Fadnavis wrote on X.

Communal tensions reportedly flared in Mira Road late last night after two groups allegedly got into a heated altercation. The issue was resolved after the cops intervened and de-escalated the situation. They also detained several persons and booked five.

According to the media statement issued by the cops, members of the Hindu community, huddled in three cars, were raising slogans in the Naya Nagar area which later led to confrontation with the persons from Muslim community. The incident happened around 10.30 pm on Sunday, a day before the consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jayant Bajbale, in his statement to the media, said that it was a minor dispute and that tensions had subsided. He added a flag march was conducted in the area to reinforce a sense of security and order. He also advised the citizens to not believe any hearsay or rumours circulating on social media. He urged the public to avoid forwarding unconfirmed messages and to maintain peace while cooperating with the police administration.

"At around 11 pm yesterday, some people of the Hindu community were raising slogans in 3-4 vehicles in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road adjacent to Mumbai. After this, an argument started with some people belonging to the Muslim community. Seeing the deteriorating situation, the police vehicle immediately reached the spot and took some people into custody. The situation has been brought under control and a flag march was conducted in the area. Naya Nagar Police has registered a case against 5 people, arrested them and has started investigating the matter," Bajbale said.

The Senior Police Inspector of Naya Nagar station, Vilas Supe said, "Around 10.30 pm, there was a dispute between two groups over a minor reason. Presently, the tension in the place has calmed down and no citizen should believe the rumours coming on social media."