PUNE: Incidents of outbreaks of violence, which took place between the two communities, at Pusesawali village in Khatao tehsil of Satara last Sunday night, resulted in the death of one person while at least 20 others suffered injuries. As per reports, among those injured also included several policemen and other residents of the area who were not involved in the incidents. 

Giving details of the incidents, Inspector General of Poice (Kolhapur Range) Sunil Phulari said that some objectionable posts were posted on a social media platform by two youths on Sunday afternoon and the police had summoned them and were questioning them, at that time, some persons from another community created ruckus outside the police post.

According to IG Phulari, while the questioning was on late on Sunday night, a crowd of more than 100 people reached the village and started damaging vehicles, and public and private properties and attacking people. The mob also set some shops and houses in the village on fire, while a place of worship was also attacked.

He said that to disperse the violent mob, the police had to use. Phulari said, "The mob retaliated, some cops too have been injured but the injuries are minor."

News reports have quoted that the person who died in the incident is identified as a 32 years old Muslim man by the name Nurul Liaqat Shikalgar who apparently had left his house after a family dinner to offer prayers, although the name and identity of the person has not yet been shared or confirmed by the local administration. 

The police have registered offences under several sections of IPC including rioting, arson and murder and have picked up over two dozen suspects for further investigation.

After the initial spurt of violence, the police and the local district administration clamped prohibitory orders, suspended internet services and restricted the movement of vehicles in and out of the town. By Monday morning although there was palpable tension the overall situation was brought under control.

Satara district collector Jitendra Dudi and Satara's superintendent of police Samir Shaikh released a joint appeal on social media in which they appealed for peace and to remain alert. 

The joint appeal posted on X, (formerly Twitter) said, "In the backdrop of tensions in Satara district, the administration is appealing to the citizens not to believe in any rumours and should also not post anything on social media that can potentially lead to disturbance of communal harmony, law and order.