Spat turns into communal clash in town known for red chillies

A verbal duel between two persons turned into a clash between two communities, with three vehicles being set on fire and police arresting 17 persons in Mathania town near Jodhpur today.
The situation in the town, which is famous for its hot red chilies, is tense but under control, police said, adding that a heavy deployment of policemen has turned the town into a fortress, but no curfew has been imposed. The town, however, remained closed on Sunday.
"We have arrested 17 persons from both the sides and have detained some more," said the ADCP Kailash Singh Sandu.
According to him, two persons from different community had a verbal spat in the town market on Saturday, which led to a group belonging to one community attacking others injuring three persons, after which a group of the other community attacked the first group, setting on fire 2 jeeps and 1 motorcycle besides attempting to set a house on fire. Some vehicles were also damaged by the mob.

Police also called meetings of CLG twice and has deployed a company of Rajasthan Armed Constabulary in the town.