Two groups clash at Goa temple over ritual rights, 25 injured
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Photo courtesy of The Goan
Panaji: At least 25 people were injured when two groups clashed during annual ‘Kalotsav’ at Bhumika temple in North Goa’s Poriem Wednesday, The Indian Express reported.
The two communities – Gaonkar and Maijik—have long been bickering over rights to perform rituals at the temple.
It turned violent yesterday when members of one community were stopped from entering the temple, according to the police.
As the police tried to control the situation, it turned violent with stone pelting and throwing chairs injuring at least 25 people, a police officer said, adding ‘some were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, the nature of injuries is not serious. A police inspector also sustained minor injuries.’
‘The videos and photos are being checked to identify others present. The police have written to deputy collector Sattari to initiate action against 12 persons who violated bond conditions by indulging in today’s violence,’ he said.
A similar confrontation had taken place between two groups three weeks before during the anniversary of the Sankhleshwar Devasthan linked to Bhumika Devasthan.
After a police sub-inspector got injured in stone pelting, authorities clamped prohibitory orders and temporarily halted religious ceremonies at the temple.
Later the deputy collector of the area revoked prohibitory orders, reopening the temple for devotees to conduct the two-day religious ceremonies.
