Sena workers clash with residents in Panvel

The incident occurred at around 3pm on Monday when around 60 vehicles entered the mohalla on the way to Panvel, shouting slogans

Navi Mumbai: Security was beefed up in Panvel’s Kutchi Mohalla area after a clash broke out between residents and a group of Shiv Sena workers from Kharghar who were taking a rally through the Muslim-dominated neighbourhood. The incident occurred at around 3pm on Monday when around 60 vehicles entered the mohalla on the way to Panvel, shouting slogans.

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“We have no problem with people celebrating their happiness. But this didn’t sound like celebration – it seemed like provocation to hurt the sentiments of others. The men in the rally were not even from Panvel and had no business in our area,” said a resident of Kutchi Mohalla. Arguments between the two groups led to a clash, after which three men who claimed to be ‘injured’ visited the sub-district hospital for treatment with a huge mob. The three persons were identified as Ankit Giriraj Tiwari (21), Sandeep Thakur (30) and Chinmay Sonawane (30). “The men had minor injuries on their back, hand and head. We provided preliminary treatment and asked them to visit the Vashi general hospital,” said Dr Madhukar Panchal.

Assistant commissioner of police Ashok Rajput said, “Our team has gone to record the statements of both parties and are yet to file any case.” Deputy commissioner Pankaj Dahane (zone II) said, “It was a minor clash and was sorted out. We will file a case soon.”

Rajput added that the group of men who took out the rally had not informed the police about the rally and also not taken any permission for the same. After the clash, the bandobast and police presence in the mohalla was increased.

Shiv Sena leader from Kharghar Rupesh Patil said he and his group were invited for lunch by a Shiv Sena worker in panvel post a rally to mark the consecration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

“I was specially invited for lunch and the group of party workers had come specially to receive me. I decided to travel with the bikers and had travelled without any problem through various parts of Kharghar, Kamothe before reaching Panvel,” said Patil.

Patil said the rally passed through the Kutchi Mohalla but he came to know of a clash only later. “The rally had around 60 odd vehicles including bikes and four wheelers. Almost 40 vehicles including the bike, on which I was riding pillion passed by the Mohalla. However stones were pelted on the last few vehicles. We remained unaware of the attack and got to know about the damage caused to the vehicles as well as party workers. I am completely taken back by the incident as prior to this the rally had passed through various masjids and madrasas but there was no issue faced. There was no reason for the mohalla locals to react as similar rallies were happening all around,” said Patil, whose car in the rally was also damaged in stone pelting.