Two groups clash in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar leaving five injured; police arrest seven suspects

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A clash between two groups from different communities in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district resulted in at least five individuals sustaining injuries. Police has apprehended seven suspects, according to an official.

The incident unfolded in Guha village, Rahuri, approximately 270 km from Mumbai, on Monday morning. A group was performing rituals at a temple of the Nathpanthi sect when clashes ensued. The temple is situated near a religious place of worship for another community.

"As prayers were being offered at the temple and a speaker was on at high volume, a group from another community asked those involved to reduce the sound level. However, it led to an argument between the two groups," explained the official.

The dispute escalated, resulting in the assault of the temple's priest and another person by the opposing group, sparking a broader clash. Stones were thrown at the temple and the nearby place of religious worship belonging to the rival group. The incident left at least five people injured, and CCTV cameras at both locations were damaged due to stone-pelting.

Also read: Maharashtra: Man ends life in Nanded allegedly over Maratha reservation issue

Upon receiving alerts about the situation, Ahmednagar police promptly responded, deploying heavy security measures in the village to bring the situation under control. Cross-complaints were filed at the Rahuri police station, leading to the arrest of seven individuals from both sides.

Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from both places of worship, and appropriate action will be taken based on the evidence gathered.

Meanwhile, a 23-year-old man from the Maratha community committed suicide by consuming a poisonous substance allegedly over the issue of reservation in Maharashtra's Nanded city, police said on Tuesday.

According to the police, Dajiba Ramdas Kadam, a resident of Marlak village, had come to the city for some work and consumed a poisonous substance in the Zenda Chowk area on November 11, the official said.

Dajiba was found unconscious, and his relatives were informed. He was rushed to a hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment on November 12, he said.

The police found a note in the man's possession, in which he wrote, "This is a question of a government job for me. 'Ek Maratha, lakh Maratha'," the official said.

An accidental death report has been registered in the Bhagyanagar police station, he said