Ram Navami: One killed, another injured in communal clashes in Gujarat

Khambhat and Himmatnagar witnessed violence between members of two communities during Ram Navami processions.

A 65-year-old man was killed and another injured as communal clashes erupted in Gujarat’s Khambhat during a procession taken out on the occasion of Ram Navami on Sunday. 

Himmatnagar, another city in north Gujarat, also witnessed violence between members of two communities during a similar event. 

In Himmatnagar, after incidents of stone-pelting, shops and vehicles were torched by the rioters. 

Following the communal clashes in the two towns, Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi held a meeting of the top Home Department and police officials and directed them to take stern action against those who tried to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in the State. 

In both places, the clashing groups indulged in stone-throwing and arson, prompting the police to lob tear gas shells to bring the situation under control. 

“The body of an unidentified man was recovered from the spot in Khambhat, where two groups pelted each other with stones after a clash broke out between them during a Ram Navami procession late this afternoon,” Anand district Superintendent of Police Ajeet Rajyan said.

“Another person was injured and a few shop cabins were set on fire during the incident,” he said, adding that the situation was later brought under control using tear gas shells and heavy police deployment in the sensitive areas.