After a reported scuffle between Hindu and Muslim communities on Sunday night in Mumbai’s Mira Road, the police arrested an individual seen provoking others in a viral social media video.
The accused, identified as Abu Shaikh, who was seen provoking people has been taken under police custody. So far, 13 individuals have been detained and the process of identifying other suspects is ongoing through CCTV footage analysis.
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On Monday, via his social media platform, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of Maharashtra addressed the incident, underlining ‘zero tolerance’ to any endeavour to disturb law and order in Maharashtra.
“The complete details of the incident in the Nayanagar area of Mira-Bhayander were compiled last night. I was in constant touch with the Mira-Bhayander Police Commissioner until 3:30 am on Monday morning. Police have been instructed to take strict action against the accused,” he posted on X.
Meanwhile, Local police, Mumbai Police, Palghar Police, Thane Rural Police, RAF (Rapid Action Force), MSF (Maharashtra Security Force), and SRPF have been deployed in the area.
DCP Jayant Bajbale added, “Several videos of the clash between two communities in Mira Road adjacent to Mumbai went viral on social media. A video of a person named Abu Shaikh went viral where he was seen provoking people. The person who posted this video has been arrested, and Mira Bhayander police have sought two days of custody,” as ANI reported.
In response, Shrikant Pathak, Additional Commissioner of Police at Mira Bhayandar, appealed for peace in the area, saying, “We are investigating the incident. Action will be taken against the accused only. I appeal to everybody to maintain peace. The Police have taken timely action. We are investigating the entire matter by looking at the CCTV footage. There are small miscreants who still try to create a nuisance,” he said, ANI reports.
On January 21, a rally conducted by the Hindu community in celebration of Ram Laal’s arrival in Ayodhya led to an altercation between Muslim and Hindu communities. Members of the Muslim community allegedly attacked the Hindu community, who were waving saffron flags and chanting ‘Jai Shree Ram.’
Vehicles being attacked, windows were broken, and verbal abuse, including the scratching of Lord Hanuman stickers off car bumpers, were captured in viral videos depicting the incident.