Maharashtra: Two groups clash over saffron flag hoisting in Amravati

Amravati/Nagpur: A clash erupted between two communities in Maharashtra's Amravati after a saffron flag was hoisted at Dulha Gate here, a senior police official told UNI on Monday.

According to the official the incident took place on Sunday night when a saffron flag was hoisted at Dhula Gate in Achalpur city of Amravati district after Hanuman Jayanti occasion. The two groups hurled stones at each other, the official said.

To maintain law and order situation, Section 144 has been imposed in the area and 16 people were arrested in connection with the violence, the official said.

Additional forces are being deployed in the area to prevent any further untoward incidents, the official added.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Home Minister Dili Walse-Patil said the situation in Amravati is now under control and the police are investigating the incident. Strict action has been ordered to take against the perpetrators of communal violence. (UNI)