10 injured, vehicles torched as 2 groups clash in Maharashtra's Kolhapur
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| Updated On: 23-Aug-2025 @ 12:53 pmSHARE
On Friday night, Kolhapur’s Siddharthnagar area turned into a flashpoint of violence when two groups clashed during an event, leaving the city shaken and raising concerns over law and order. The incident, which erupted suddenly, was marked by heavy stone-pelting, vandalism, arson, and injuries to nearly ten individuals. The clash reportedly broke out during a programme organised to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Rajebagswar Football Club, a local event meant to showcase community spirit and sports enthusiasm. However, the decorations for the programme, including large flex banners, posters, and loud sound systems, caused resentment among local residents. They complained of inconvenience and disturbance due to the arrangements. Some members of nearby groups voiced their objections, sparking heated arguments with the organisers. What began as verbal altercations soon spiralled out of control, escalating into a violent confrontation by around 10 pm. Eyewitnesses reported that both sides engaged in indiscriminate stone-pelting, turning the neighbourhood into a chaotic battleground. The violence quickly spread to nearby streets, where vehicles and property became targets of the anger. At least two cars were set ablaze in the melee, while another eight to nine vehicles, including autorickshaws and parked cars, were vandalised. Stones shattered windshields, scattering debris inside the vehicles, and parts of the roadside parking area suffered severe damage. Local witnesses described scenes of panic, with residents scrambling for safety as stones flew in every direction and flames rose from burning vehicles. The suddenness of the escalation left the community in shock, as what was supposed to be a cultural celebration devolved into a violent clash. Police rushed to the scene in large numbers to restore order. More than 200 personnel were deployed to control the situation and prevent further escalation. Their immediate intervention was crucial in containing the violence, dispersing the clashing groups, and ensuring that the disturbance did not spread to other parts of Kolhapur. By late night, the police had brought the situation under control, though the damage to vehicles and property remained evident. Authorities later confirmed that the violence stemmed primarily from a misunderstanding between the two groups, further inflamed by rising tempers and lack of communication. Kolhapur Superintendent of Police (SP) urged residents to remain calm and avoid believing in or spreading rumours. He stressed that the incident was sudden and not premeditated, and both groups’ leaders had assured that they would not allow such tensions to continue. In his appeal, the SP emphasised: “I request all of them not to be affected by the rumours. The situation is good. The incident happened suddenly. And the leaders of the two groups have also requested that no such message should be spread. I request all of them not to get affected by the rumours.” The incident highlights the fragile nature of local peace, where minor disagreements can quickly spiral into widespread violence if unchecked. While the authorities have taken steps to restore calm, the damage left behind is a reminder of how quickly communal harmony can be disrupted. The police have assured citizens that strong measures are in place to prevent a recurrence and maintain order.