Date:09/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/09/stories/2008070955531400.htm

National

One killed, 45 injured in clashes

Special Correspondent

AHMEDABAD: At least one person was killed and about 45 injured in a clash between two groups of people from the same community in Dedhal village in Bavla taluka of Ahmedabad district on Tuesday.

The police said rivalry between the Kolis and Bharwads in the village was going on for some time.

As word spread in Dedhal and nearby villages about heated arguments on Monday between the groups over a parking slot for an autorickshaw, supporters of both groups collected in large numbers on Tuesday and threw stones at each other.

Several houses were set on fire in the village forcing the police to intervene. The police fired 33 rounds, besides bursting teargas shells, and resorted to lathi charge to disperse the mob. While local people alleged that a 23 year-old boy was killed in police firing, the police denied it. The Superintendent of Police, Ahmedabad rural, maintained that the police had fired only in the air.

Later in the evening, District Collector Harit Shukla said the situation was “under control and peaceful.”