45 arrested over clash in MP town, curfew continues

Neemuch: At least 45 people were arrested in connection with a clash during the Hanuman Jayanti Hindu festival in a town in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch district while curfew remained in force as a precautionary measure, police said.

Curfew was imposed on Friday night in Jawad town of Neemuch where stone-pelting between two communities left at least 20 people injured.

Inspector General of Police, Ujjain Zone, Madhu Kumar told IANS that adequate police personnel have been deployed in the area. Extra police force has been requisitioned from neighbouring districts as a preventive measure.

Many shops and vehicles were damaged in the clash, he said, adding that the situation was tense but under control.

Police said members of a group hurled stones at a religious procession. Soon both sides were involved in a clash, and police had to lob tear gas shells and carry out a baton charge to disperse the crowd.