Fresh bout of violence in Veraval

A group of women pelted stones at policemen in the Baharkot area of the trouble-hit Veraval town in Gujarat during curfew relaxation on Wednesday.

"The trouble started just 15 minutes before the curfew relaxation was to end at 12 noon when a group of women began pelting stones at police demanding that their relatives, who were rounded up by the police in connection with Friday's violence, be released," Junagadh district collector Rohit Pathak said.

"The women threw stones and plastic bottles and the police lobbed tear gas shells. However, no one was injured," the collector said.

The situation in the coastal town of Veraval, about 400 kms from here, has been tense since July 26 after clashes following an alleged eve-teasing incident left two persons dead and eight injured.

The mobs burnt at least 50 shops and looted showrooms.

The fresh bout of violence dealt another blow to industries in the town. The main bazaar in the town remained closed and is not likely to open for the next few days as mobs came out into the streets, pelting stones at each other and damaging property.

The fishing industry in Veraval also faced the threat of loss, as fish caught by trawlers could not be processed further or sent to different destinations. A large number of fishing boats and trawlers are lying anchored at the Veraval cost.

Curfew had been relaxed for two hours for women and children in certain areas of Veraval town where two persons were killed and eight injured on Monday.

"The situation is peaceful. Curfew, earlier extended from 8 am to 12 noon, has been relaxed for women and children from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm in several areas," Junagadh district superintendent of police B D Vaghela had said on Tuesday.