Minor incident triggers tension in Lalbaug

MUMBAI: A minor incident almost led to a communal flareup in Mumbai on Sunday night. Mumbai Police officials said there was tension in the Lalbaug area after one of the young men who were out celebrating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad accidentally hit a woman.

The incident led to an argument between the woman, who was a local resident, and the youth which soon resulted in a fistfight between local residents, Shiv Sainiks and the youths. A few vehicles were also damaged in the clash.

Some policemen, who tried to intervene, were hurt, according to police officials. Senior Mumbai Police officials along with Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria rushed to the spot and the situation was brought under control. Maria requested people not to forward pictures of the incident to avoid fuelling any tension.