Violent clashes erupted in Siddharth Nagar and Raje Baghsawar areas of Kolhapur late yesterday night, resulting in injuries to ten persons, including police personnel.The unrest began as a dispute over a sound system installed for the anniversary event of Raje Baghsawar Football Club, managed by Bharat Tarun Mandal, before escalating into full-scale riots.
According to sources, tensions had been building since yesterday afternoon over the sound system's placement. The situation deteriorated around 9:45 pm when groups confronted each other, leading to widespread stone pelting and arson. Miscreants damaged multiple vehicles, overturned a truck and an auto rickshaw, and set them ablaze using petrol bombs, creating panic among residents.
Local inhabitants, including women, emerged from their homes as youths attempted to confront the violent mob. Upon arrival, Laxmipur police faced direct attacks from agitators while attempting to disperse the crowd. The violence intensified as rioters targeted roadside shops and additional vehicles with stones and incendiary materials.
Senior police officials, including District Superintendent Yogesh Kumar Gupta, Additional SP Dheeraj Kumar Bachu, Deputy SP Tanaji Sawant, and Senior Officer Kalmkar, arrived with reinforcements following the initial police response.
Officers employed a lathi charge and other measures to control approximately 200 combatants engaged in hour-long clashes that caused significant property damage.
The road near Siddharth Nagar's entrance had previously been blocked by the sound system installation, prompting local complaints and police intervention to remove the equipment earlier in the evening.
The area remains under heavy police deployment, with authorities reporting the situation now under control after hours of tension.(UNI)
