Daijiworld Media Network - Bilaspur
Bilaspur, Aug 29: A minor dispute escalated into communal tension in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district, leaving more than 50 people injured after members of two groups clashed and engaged in heavy stone-pelting in the Masanganj area under Kotwali police station limits.
The situation turned volatile on Friday, prompting police to resort to a baton charge to disperse the crowd. Tear gas shells were also fired as security personnel struggled to bring the situation under control.
Following the violence, heavy police deployment was made in Masanganj, with additional forces brought in from across Bilaspur district and neighbouring districts.
Bilaspur Superintendent of Police Rajneesh Singh and Collector Sanjay Agrawal rushed to the spot after receiving information about the clash. They remained at the location and monitored the situation until late at night.
Police conducted intensive patrolling in sensitive areas throughout the night and appealed to residents to maintain peace and refrain from spreading rumours.
According to preliminary information, the dispute allegedly originated from comments posted on social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, concerning cattle.
It was alleged that some youths from a particular community had posted objectionable comments, which reportedly angered members of Hindu organisations.
The situation escalated when four youths associated with a Hindu organisation were passing through the Masanganj area. They were allegedly stopped by a group of people, leading to an altercation.
It has been alleged that Sohail Khan and some others assaulted Akshat Singh and one of his companions.
Following the alleged assault, the youths informed members of the Hindu organisation about the incident. As news of the confrontation spread, a large number of people associated with the organisation reportedly gathered in Masanganj.
Members of the two groups subsequently came face-to-face, and the confrontation soon turned violent, with stones being hurled from both sides. Large crowds gathered on the streets as tension spread through the locality.
Police and senior administrative officials reached the area and took steps to restore order. The SP and collector also issued instructions to police personnel deployed at the spot.
Those injured in the stone-pelting were shifted to hospitals for treatment.
Personnel from several police stations across Bilaspur were deployed in sensitive areas, while additional forces from neighbouring districts were called in as a precautionary measure.
The situation remained tense through the night, with security forces maintaining a strong presence and conducting continuous patrols across the affected areas.
Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances that led to the clash and are examining the social media posts and other available evidence.