Fresh violence in Gujarat

Police were forced to send in reinforcements to Nagarwada and Fatehpura in Baroda after shops were attacked amid arson. Nobody was hurt in the attacks.

Violence erupted overnight in Gujarat after the BJP crushing victory in state Assembly elections, reports said on Tuesday.

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Police were forced to send in reinforcements to the districts of Nagarwada and Fatehpura in the town of Baroda after shops were attacked amid outbreaks of arson, according a news agency.

"Preliminary reports said police had opened fire and lobbed teargas shells to disperse the clashing mobs which ransacked and looted several shops," the report said.

"No one is reported to be injured in the police firing so far. Police Commissioner DD Tuteja and other senior officers have rushed to the spot."

The violence broke out at around 10.00 pm on Monday, prompting shops and markets to close in Baroda. Two houses were set ablaze in Nagarwada district.

Results of the state election, announced on Sunday, gave the BJP a surprise two-thirds majority with 125 seats in the 182-member Assembly.

Earlier, incidents of violence were reported immediately after results were announced on Sunday.

Police had lifted curfews imposed in parts of Baroda after sectarian violence broke out shortly after the BJP's victory was announced on Sunday.