Four people have been arrested and three minors detained after a dispute over bursting firecrackers escalated into a clash between two groups outside Empire Skyview Apartments on Science City Road in Ahmedabad on Diwali night, police said on Monday, IANS reported.

Source: IANS via hi INDiA

According to the complaint, the dispute had begun on November 6, when some youths were bursting firecrackers near the apartment complex and residents objected after some firecrackers allegedly landed near them. The disagreement was resolved at the time, but tensions resurfaced on Diwali night (Sunday) when the group was reportedly bursting crackers near the complex again and a firecracker rocket allegedly landed among residents celebrating outside.

An argument followed, after which a group of around 20 to 25 people allegedly arrived at the spot carrying sticks and clubs and attacked the residents, at around 10:45 p.m. by one account. The clash left around five people injured. One of the injured sustained a serious head injury and received 12 stitches at Sola Civil Hospital before being shifted to a private hospital for further treatment, reports said.

Source: The World Opinion

During the altercation, a resident, identified in reports as Rakesh Patel, allegedly fired two to three rounds into the air from his licensed pistol in an attempt to stop the attack, after which the group fled the spot. Police reached the scene after receiving information about the clash and began an investigation. The firing claim and all other allegations in the case are yet to be established in court.

14Named persons in the FIR, plus unidentified others, per ACP S. M. Patel
4 + 3People arrested and minors detained so far, police say
~5People injured in the clash, reports say
20–25Alleged size of the group that attacked with sticks and clubs

ACP (N Division) S. M. Patel said an FIR has been registered invoking sections on rioting and attempt to murder against 14 named individuals and other unknown persons. "Out of these, four accused have been arrested, three minors have been detained, and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused," Patel said, as quoted by IANS. The detained minors have not been named, in line with the law on juvenile privacy.

Police said the investigation is also examining the sequence of events that led to the confrontation and the alleged involvement of each person named in the FIR. Being named or arrested in the case is an allegation, not a conviction, and all accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence.