Stone-pelting and a heated altercation broke out during a Durga idol immersion procession near Tipu Sultan Chowk in Washim on Wednesday, the occasion of Vijayadashami, police said on Thursday, news agency ANI reported.

Source: ANI via LatestLY

According to Washim Sub-Divisional Police Officer Ramkrishna Pawar, the incident occurred when the procession passed near houses of a specific community and an issue arose concerning the throwing of gulal (coloured powder). A couple of individuals raised objections, triggering a heated argument between members of both communities that culminated in minor stone-pelting from both sides, Pawar said.

"Both sides threw a few stones at each other, but the police intervened, imposed a curfew, and brought the situation under control and peace," Pawar said, according to ANI. He added that no vandalism or damage to houses or vehicles was reported by either community.

Pawar said the process of registering a First Information Report (FIR) over the altercation was underway and lawful action was being taken. News89, citing India Today reporting, also reported the gulal dispute, the stone-pelting, the deployment of reserve forces and a quick response team, and the imposition of a curfew to restore peace in the area.

Source: News89 (citing India Today)

What police said

Trigger: objections to gulal thrown as the immersion procession passed homes near Tipu Sultan Chowk. Result: a heated argument and minor stone-pelting from both sides. Police response: intervention and a curfew; situation under control. Damage: none reported to houses or vehicles, according to SDPO Ramkrishna Pawar via ANI.

What is solid

  • Washim SDPO Ramkrishna Pawar told ANI that a gulal dispute during Wednesday's Durga immersion procession near Tipu Sultan Chowk escalated into an argument and minor stone-pelting, after which police imposed a curfew and restored peace.
  • Police said no vandalism or damage to houses or vehicles was reported, and the FIR registration process was underway — ANI via LatestLY.

What is only claimed

  • Which individuals started the stone-pelting has not been established; police described stone-pelting from both sides and no arrests or injuries were reported in the ANI account.