One killed in Gujarat village as students clash sparks communal riot

A scuffle between two students in a school blew up into a communal riot in Vadvali village in Mehsana in Gujarat that left one dead, 8 injured and a trail of burnt houses and vehicles.

One person was killed and 8 others were injured when a communal riot broke out in a Gujarat village on Saturday. Some 10 houses and 20 vehicles were also torched.

The injured in the riot being admitted to Mehsana Civil Hospital in Gujarat. (HT Photo)

The police said the mayhem at Vadvali village in Mehsana, about 80 km from Ahmeadbad, took place after a clash between students belonging two different communities snowballed into a riot which left a 25-year-old man dead.

Police fired 10 rounds in air and used tear gas to disperse the two groups that were pelting stones on each other. Three platoons of the state reserve police (SRP) were also rushed from Gandhinagar to bring the situation under control. No one has been arrest yet for the violence.

Police said the groups of people arrived at Vadvali from nearby villages after the students had clashed. According to reports 10 houses in a ghetto were partially torched. The injured have been admitted to Mehsana Civil Hospital.

“Five fire engines were rushed to the spot to bring the fire in control,” said a policeman.

The police said the riot was contained and situation was brought under control.