Washim Tension: Stone Pelting During Durga Visarjan Over 'Gulal' Row
Tension flared in Washim during a Durga Visarjan procession over the use of gulal, leading to stone pelting. Police have filed an FIR.
A festive atmosphere turned tense in Maharashtra's Washim district when a Durga Visarjan procession was marred by an incident of stone pelting. The clash, which broke out between members of two communities, has prompted the local police to register a First Information Report (FIR) and deploy heavy security to maintain order.
The Spark: A Dispute Over Colored Powder
The incident unfolded on Monday evening, October 21, as the Durga idol immersion procession moved through the city. According to police officials, the trouble began between 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM when the procession reached Tipu Sultan Chowk in the Malegaon area.
The confrontation was reportedly triggered by the throwing of 'gulal' (colored powder). As the procession passed near the residences of a specific community, objections were raised regarding the use of the powder, leading to a heated argument that quickly escalated into violence.
Escalation and Police Intervention
What started as a verbal spat soon turned into a physical clash, with minor stone pelting reported from both sides. Washim Sub-Divisional Police Officer Ramkrishna Pawar noted that the situation intensified after a few individuals raised objections, sparking the altercation between the two groups.
Police intervened swiftly to prevent the violence from spreading. Station House Officer (SHO) Rajesh Kherde stated that immediate action was taken to bring the situation under control, ensuring that the Durga Visarjan could be completed. The procession eventually concluded around 5:00 AM on Tuesday morning.
Investigation and Security Measures
To identify those responsible for the unrest, the police have launched a full-scale investigation. Authorities are currently scrutinizing CCTV footage and other video evidence to pinpoint the perpetrators.
"An FIR has been registered by the police. We are currently reviewing CCTV footage, and individuals will be identified as accused based on that," SHO Rajesh Kherde informed ANI.
Maintaining Peace in Washim
To ensure that no further flare-ups occur, the administration has implemented strict security measures. A significant police presence has been established in the affected areas, including:
- State Reserve Police Force (SRPF)
- Riot Control Police (RCP)
- Local Police units
Police officials have confirmed that the area is currently peaceful and the situation remains firmly under control.