The city of Nashik in Maharashtra, India, witnessed heightened tensions on Thursday during a protest march concerning alleged attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. The protest, organized by Hindu groups in India, aimed to express solidarity with their counterparts in Bangladesh and condemn the alleged violence.
However, the situation escalated when two groups confronted each other, leading to a violent clash involving widespread stone-pelting. The police were forced to intervene to quell the violence, resorting to lathi charges and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
A number of individuals sustained injuries during the stone-pelting and were hospitalized. Senior Police Inspector Dilip Thakur confirmed that the situation had been brought under control, stating, “An atmosphere of tension had arisen. But there is peace now. Police forces have been deployed at places.”
The protest march was organized following calls for a bandh (shutdown) in Nashik to protest against the alleged atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh. While many businesses closed in adherence to the bandh, some remained open, leading to an argument that eventually escalated into physical violence.
The police are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the clashes and the subsequent violence. A significant police force has been stationed in the area to maintain order and prevent further unrest.
