On Wednesday night, a social media post triggered communal violence in Bahiyal village, Gandhinagar district, Gujarat. The clash disrupted Navratri celebrations and caused extensive damage.
What Happened?
A Hindu man posted a WhatsApp status referring to the trending phrase “I love Muhammad.” This angered a section of the minority community. Around 11 pm, a large group attacked the man’s shop, looted goods, and set them on fire.
Violence Erupts
The mob then hurled stones towards Hindu areas in retaliation. Members of the Hindu community responded with stone pelting, escalating the clash. The violence led to the destruction of four shops and damage to five to six vehicles, including police and fire brigade vehicles.
Police Response and Arrests
To restore order, police used tear gas shells and deployed over 200 personnel, including two companies of the State Reserve Police (SRP). The situation was brought under control by early Thursday morning.
Sixty people have been detained in connection with the riots. The police are investigating further and identifying others involved. A case is registered under rioting and unlawful assembly laws.
Impact on Community and Navratri
The violent outbreak shook the peaceful village during the festive Navratri season. Residents fled in panic as the clashes unfolded. Fortunately, no major injuries were reported, but minor injuries occurred among some villagers and police personnel.
Authorities have urged people to avoid posting provocative content on social media to prevent similar incidents. The police are closely monitoring social media activity to detect any further triggers.
Background and Context
The incident is part of a larger controversy involving similar social media campaigns like “I love Muhammad” and counter-posts such as “I love Mahadev.” These online tensions have sparked communal conflicts in multiple states recently.
Authorities urge harmony and calm as investigations continue. Heavy police presence remains in Bahiyal village to ensure peace during the remaining Navratri days.
