Vadodara: Salvi Police booked 46 people and arrested 40 following a communal clash near Damaji na Dera, Salvi, Vadodara. Sources reveal that Muslim youth attempted to install Islamic flags near the temple on an electric pole where Hindu flags were already installed.

“A Hindu festival is coming up, owing to which a local group had tied their religious flag on an electronic pole. There is a temple nearby, clashes broke out after another local group went to convey how their religious sentiments were hurt”, said PR Patel, Vadodara Rural Police.

Savli sub-Inspector A R Mahida further added that both community members started hurling stones at each other, but, a vehicle and a shop were damaged by roiters.

Complaint has been lodged by both sides. Maheshbhi Mohanbhai Mali filed a complaint against 25 accused, while Ilyas Noor Mohammad Shaikh filed a complaint against 21 accused. The Police has booked all accused under Sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 294 (B) (uttering obscene words in public), 337 (rash and negligent act endangering human life), 506(2) (criminal intimidation), and 427 (mischief causing damage to property).