Hindutva terrorists set houses and other belongings of Muslims on fire in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
Anti-Muslim violence broke out after Hindu groups took out a bike rally in the name of celebrating the Hindu New Year through a Muslim locality in Karauli city and raised provoking slogans. Hindutva songs inciting violence against Muslims were also played on speakers during the procession.
The participants of the rally passing through a Muslim-dominated area pelted stones on Muslim houses and burnt their shops and vehicles to ashes.
According to the police, as many as 40 people have been injured in the clashes, prompting authorities to clamp a curfew, suspend the internet and deploy 600 police personnel.
Over three dozen people were injured in the violence while 30 people were detained, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Hawa Singh Ghumariya said, adding the situation is under control.
The rally to mark Nav Samvatsar was passing through a Muslim-dominated area when some people pelted stones. The violence escalated and a few shops and a bike were burnt. Several others were damaged, the police said.
Mobile internet has also been suspended in Karauli, which is 170 km from state capital Jaipur.
Governor Kalraj Mishra and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot spoke to Director General of Police (DGP) ML Lather and appealed to the public to maintain peace.
Officials said 600 policemen, including 50 officers of the ranks of deputy superintendent of police and inspector, have been deployed and three IPS officers have been sent from Jaipur to Karauli.
Karauli collector Rajendra Singh Shekhawat said that curfew has been imposed in the entire city.