Vadodara tense but peaceful after clashes between two communities

VADODARA: No untoward incident was reported in the city today, 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 today, police said. 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.

Police have arrested around 100 persons so far. Ministers Nitin Patel and Rajni Patel have visited the city, apart from director general of police P C Thakur and additional chief secretary, home, S K 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.