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JAIPUR: Police forces in large numbers were deployed in Malpura town in Tonk district after members of two communities clashed with each other on Tuesday evening. The protesters refused to burn the effigy of Ravan and staged protest, demanding immediate arrest of the accused.

Till late night, situation in Malpura showed no signs of improvement even as senior officials reached the town to pacify protesters. Some shops were also torched during the clashes.

IGP ( Ajmer Range) Sanjib Kumar Narzary told TOI that some people were taking out a Dussehra procession when they had a heated argument with a member of another community. The verbal spat took a violent turn as the two communities clashed with each other and pelted stones. Even as the police resorted to the use of force to disperse the agitators, the local leaders staged protest outside the police station and demanded arrest of those who attacked the procession.

Additional RAC ( Rajasthan Armed Constabulary) divisions were moved in from Ajmer and Jaipur. Leaders exhorted protesters not to burn the effigy of Ravan till their demands are met.

“Some people are protesting outside the station, we are talking to them to find out a solution. Situation is now under control and no fresh incident of violence has been reported,” Narzary said. The police said that some people were sharing old photos and videos of communal clashes to stoke up tension in the area. “Nobody has been hurt or injured, and the Tonk police are making efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the area,” he said.

