Petty dispute sparks of clash in Palanpur, 13 hurt

PALANPUR: Some parts of Palanpur remained tense on Tuesday after clashes between members of two communities were reported from Mafatpura locality late on Monday. At least 13 people, including a woman, were injured during Monday's clash, police said.
Soon after the incident, which was brought under control by local police, more forces were deployed to tighten security in the city, which is the headquarters of Banaskantha district.
Police said both warring groups have filed cross complaints in the incident. According to the complaints filed, the incident was sparked off when a woman from a minority community went to attend to nature's call and was allegedly asked to leave the area by three persons of another community as they wanted to use the space.
Bilkis Banu Mohammad in her plaint said her daughter Zarina (26), was beaten with sticks and hit with stones by Prahalad Vaghri, Sonam Vaghri and Parthi Vaghri. She was hit on her forehead and below her eye.
In the cross complaint, Puri Patani alleged that five men -- Vazir Makrani, Issub Mithi, Imran Makarani, Kalu Makrani and Imtiyaz Vazir Makrani -- attacked them first, causing the clash. Sources said sticks, axes, iron pipes and stones were used in the free-for-all.
Seven persons were admitted to the civil hospital, while six persons with minor injuries were discharged after primary treatment.