Communal clashes in Dhule: 6 killed, 1 injured

ANGRY MINDS: Rioters damaged shops and looted houses in several communally sensitive areas.

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Mumbai: Communal clashes in Maharashtra's Dhule district have so far claimed 5 lives and one person has been injured in the violence that broke out over the festival weekend.

Houses, shops and vehicles have been burnt. After two days of clashes, the area still remains tense and under curfew.

In an eyewitness words, " They ransacked our house. A mob came with petrol cans and burnt everything around. We're scared for our lives."

Trouble began on Sunday morning at Dhule's Lal Kandil Chowk when people belonging to two communities clashed when some religious banners were found damaged.

Rioters damaged shops and looted houses in several communally sensitive areas.

The State Reserve Police force was rushed in and the government desperately appealed for calm.

Deputy chief minister R R Patil has reassured the people saying, " Don't pay heed to rumours. People who create trouble and disturb the peace will be booked.”

In the last few months, North Maharashtra has seen several incidents of communal strife mainly in Jalgaon, Malegaon and Amravati

Suresh Jadhav's conversion to Islam led to tension in Jalgaon on On October 3.

Few days back on September 28. It was Bharti Bhavsar's conversion that caused conflict.

There was rioting in these areas during the civic polls On August 31.

Three were killed in violence in Chopda and Raver on April 22

It seems quiet now; however, the communal situation in Dhule is still simmering.

For authorities, the challenge now will be to ensure that the situation doesn't spiral out of control.

(With bureau inputs)