WEB DESK: Four injured in Dr. Ambedkar Nagar Central India, during clashes that broke out after celebrators of India’s Champions Trophy victory ignited firecrackers near a mosque, according to officials.
India secured its second consecutive global title by defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the Champions Trophy final held in Dubai on Sunday evening.
The clashes in Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, earlier known as Mhow, involved stone pelting from both sides, officials said, and several cars, shops, and bikes were also vandalized and torched.
Dr. Ambedkar Nagar is situated approximately 200 km (124 miles) from Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh.
“Some processions were being taken out in which some people lit firecrackers outside the masjid (mosque), after which there was a disagreement between both sides,” senior police officer Hitika Vasal told reporters.
Police used tear gas shells to quell the violence, local media reported.
“The situation is currently under control,” another senior police officer, Nimish Agarwal, told reporters, adding that police patrols had been started in sensitive areas.
India, home to the world’s third-largest Muslim population, is predominantly Hindu, and tensions often flare during cricket celebrations.
Recently, in Maharashtra, police were called to intervene during celebrations following India’s victory over Pakistan in a cricket match due to crowd unrest, as reported by local media.
There have been ongoing criticisms from activists, opposition parties, and various governmental bodies regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.
They accuse the federal government of exhibiting discrimination against Muslims and not taking adequate action against those who target this minority group. Modi and his administration have consistently rejected these claims.
