24 detained for violence during Ram Navami processions in Vadodara of Gujarat

Several detained for violence during Ram Navami processions in Vadodara of Gujarat

Police have detained 24 persons for allegedly hurling stones at two Ram Navami processions in communally-sensitive areas in Vadodara city of Gujarat, a top official said on March 31, 2023.

The incidents had occurred on March 30, 2023 when Ram Navami was celebrated.

Vadodara Police Commissioner Shamsher Singh said the situation in the city was under control and people were carrying out their routine activities.

"We have so far detained 24 persons in connection with the stone pelting incidents that occurred during the Ram Navami processions in the city on Thursday. They will be formally arrested soon after the registration of first information reports (FIRs). The situation is completely under control and normalcy was restored yesterday itself," Mr. Singh said.

Stones were hurled at two separate Ram Navami processions when they were passing through the city's communally-sensitive areas of Fatehpura and nearby Kumbharwada. At least two persons were injured in stone-pelting by a mob at Kumbharwada, the police said.

Local BJP MLA Manisha Vakil was part of the procession which came under attack at Kumbharwada.

In some videos of the incident aired by new channels, people can be seen running for shelter during stone pelting, while a chariot that was carrying a statue of Lord Ram, was also pulled away to a safer place by the devotees to save it from stones.