Rioting in Kolhapur leaves 10 injured, several vehicles torched

Mumbai: Ten people, including at least two policemen, were injured after a minor communal clash erupted in Kolhapur on Friday night, which the police said was due to a 'misunderstanding'.

The dispute was triggered during the anniversary celebrations of a local football club at Siddharthnagar. Police officials said the clash began after the installation of a sound system on the road, which led to an argument. The situation turned violent around 9.30 pm when a mob descended on the spot, pelting stones at houses and vandalising vehicles. Three to four vehicles were set on fire and over a dozen damaged.

Police personnel rushed to the scene also came under attack; at least two were injured. Residents of Siddharthnagar then came out on the streets and retaliated by pelting stones.


More than 200 policemen were deployed, and by the early hours peace was restored. "The incident happened suddenly due to a misunderstanding. I request people not to fall prey to rumours. The situation is under control and peace has been restored. I have also spoken to community leaders to ensure no rumours are spread," said Kolhapur SP Yogeshkumar Gupta.

Police have filed a case, but no arrests have been made yet.