Satara violence: 23 apprehended in clashes over 'objectionable' social media post

In the clash between two communities at a village in Maharashtra's Satara district after an 'objectionable' social media post on Sunday night, the police arrested 23 miscreants in connection with murder, rioting and destruction to public order. One person was killed and eight others were injured in the violence, the police said. 

 "An objectionable post by some youth from a community triggered tension between two communities, leading to communal clashes and disturbance in law and order," said a police official adding that law and order remains under control.

Several houses were also damaged in the incident, as per a senior district official. "The incident, which took place at Pusesawali village in Khatao tehsil on Sunday night, led to tension between the two communities, prompting the police to act," he added. 

Sec 144 clamped, internet halted 

The violent clashes in Satara prompted the district administration to clamp down on Section 144 and suspend the internet services, to avoid rioting and the spread of rumours. "As a precautionary measure, we have suspended Internet services in the district and we urge the public not to fall prey to any rumours," a district official was quoted by news agency PTI.

He added that security has been stepped up in the district. In a move to control the situation, the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) has been deployed alongside more than 1,500 police personnel across the district.

Stones pelted, houses set ablaze

During the violent clashes, the miscreants set ablaze several houses at Pusesawali village, which is located around 150 km from Pune. Eyewitnesses of the incident claimed that a violent mob counting to over a thousand people pelted stones, and targeted houses, business offices and handcarts in the area. They resorted to vandalism, said an onlooker.