After a major clash between Hindu and Muslim communities preceding the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha day, where Hindus were allegedly attacked for raising saffron flags and chanting ‘Jai Shree Ram’ on January 21, Maharashtra witnessed escalating communal tension across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

At least nine FIRs were filed, and 10 individuals were arrested on Tuesday in connection with several instances of communal riots that occurred in Mumbai’s Metropolitan Region on the day of the temple inauguration at Ayodhya.

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The Mumbai Police registered eight FIRs, while the Navi Mumbai police lodged one FIR, leading to the arrest of five on charges of attempted murder related to a clash in Panvel between locals and some Shiv Sena workers on Monday, according to The Indian Express.

The incidents in Mumbai spanned areas such as Vakola, Govandi, Bhoiwada, Girgaon, Malvani, Oshiwara, Antop Hill, and Juhu. Additionally, five arrests have been made by police.

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Although the incidents were not as severe as the one on Mira Road, the police claimed several minor incidents occurred in Muslim-dominated areas in the city, primarily involving heated arguments between area residents and participants of Shobha Yatras on vehicles displaying saffron flags and chanting slogans.

The case stems after a complaint was filed with the Vakola police concerning the alleged insult to a religious flag in Santa Cruz (East), where people present at the spot where the shobha yatra was taking place, captured the accused Saud Mehmud Qureshi (27) and handed him over to the police.

In another incident, recorded in the Govandi area, Prithviraj Jogdand (23) was arrested for posting an objectionable and provocative message on WhatsApp, booked for hurting religious sentiments based on a complaint from a young man.

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In Bhoiwada and Malwani, cases were registered against Mufeez Ahmed (55) and Irfan Qureshi, respectively, for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. At least 20 unidentified people were also booked for alleged stone-pelting at the rally. Cases were also filed in Islampura area, Antop Hill and Juhu for hurting sentiments.

In Navi Mumbai case, the police registered an FIR under sections related to attempted murder, rioting, and common intention and arrested five persons for clashes with Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) workers during a procession on bikes and cars in the area on Monday afternoon.

Navi Mumbai DCP (zone II) Pankaj Dahane stated, “In the clashes that took place between the two sides, we have registered an FIR and arrested five persons. Some five to seven people are still on the run and will be nabbed soon.”

The incident unfolded in the Kutchi Mohalla area of Panvel when local residents clashed with Shiv Sena (Shinde group) party workers from Kharghar, who were conducting a rally through the Muslim-dominated neighbourhood.

The FIR was initiated following a complaint lodged by Chinmay Sonawane, a prominent member of Shiv Sena serving as Vibhag Pramukh. Sonawane alleged that after the conclusion of the rally, Kshitij Shingare, the head of Panvel Vidhan Sabha Yuva Sena, arranged a lunch at Samarth godown. According to Sonawane, Shingare led the group, riding ahead of everyone.

In his account, Sonawane explained,“Instead of leading us to Samarth godown to have lunch, he said let’s go through Panvel and we followed him. Our bike then passed a Muslim Naka and reached Safa Mosque. While 10 bikers had gone ahead, we were left behind,” as The Indian Express reported.

He went on to describe the incident, stating, “nearly 10-15 Muslim youngsters who had gathered then attacked us and damaged our vehicles.”

The FIR was registered by the police based on this account, leading to subsequent arrests.