Communal clash after road accident in south Gujarat; 44 arrested

Valsad: A clash broke out between members of two communities at Sanjan village in Umergaon tehsil of Valsad district of south Gujarat late last night, following which 44 persons were arrested, police said today.

Police fired 17 teargas shells and used lathi-charge to bring the situation under control as the mob pelted stones, inspector J G Mali of Umergaon police station said.

The trouble started at around 10 pm and continued till 2.30 in the morning, he said.

Police security and patrolling in the village has been increased.

"A motorcycle hit a four-wheeler at Sanjan crossroads late yesterday afternoon, after which members of two communities got into altercation. The situation was then brought under control, but late at night, members of two communities clashed again by pelting stones," the officer said.

The mob also attacked police and damaged a police vehicle.

"We have registered an FIR under various sections of the IPC including rioting and under Damage to the Public Property Act, and arrested 44 persons today. They were sent to Navsari jail," inspector Mali said.