A minor road accident on the Kathlal-Balasinor highway escalated into a violent communal clash on Sunday, leading to widespread vandalism of Muslim-owned shops and a local Idgah.
The incident reportedly occurred after a take-over between a car driven by a Muslim man from Godhra and a motorbike ridden by a Hindu resident of Kathlal, sparking a confrontation that quickly turned hostile.
According to local journalist Sahal Qureshi, tensions flared when a few Muslim boys from Khokharwada village, present at the scene, attempted to pacify the situation, by intervening and seeing the situation deteriorating, they asked the car driver to leave the place.
The minor brawl over a road accident turned into a Hindu-Muslim clash and the Idgah was attacked and vandalized in front of the Kathlal Police Station with Hindutva slogans. During this, shops of Muslims were also targeted.
After the car driver left the place, a crowd from Kathlal began gathering to confront the group of boys who intervened in the matter. The situation escalated further when a Muslim crowd also gathered in response, resulting in a face-to-face confrontation.
During the standoff, a vehicle was set on fire, further intensifying the already volatile situation. Hindutva slogans, including “Jai Shri Ram,” were chanted outside the Kathlal Police Station.
The Idgah (Place of worship for Muslims), located near the Kathlal Police Station, was also vandalized as police reportedly failed to intervene.
Top assessed videos, which were circulated among local villagers, some with captions such as “King of Kathlal,” showing mobs vandalizing shops while upbeat music played in the baackground.
In one video examined by The Observer Post (TOP), a mini truck was seen unloading wooden bamboos, which were used by attackers to destroy properties.
In another video, a man can be heard repeatedly saying in Gujarati, “Do not destroy this shop. It belongs to our Hindu brother.”
Authorities have deployed additional police forces to restore order. Local officials told the media that stringent security measures are now in place to prevent further violence.
It was learnt that tensions in the area were already high after local authorities served a demolition notice to a Muslim teacher in Kathlal, accused of serious allegations.
A bulldozer is reportedly scheduled to raze his house on Monday, further making the atmosphere volatile .
This report will be updated as more information becomes available.
