GWALIOR: A vehicle rally organised to mark Ahilyabai Jayanti turned violent in Gwalior on Sunday after police intervened to stop participants from performing dangerous stunts and allegedly carrying prohibited items, media reports said.
The incident took place at Ramlila Ground in the Murar area, where a large number of people had gathered for the rally. Media reports said some participants were performing stunts on motorcycles and tractors that allegedly posed a risk to public safety.
Police personnel deployed at the venue intervened and attempted to stop the stunts. Officers also sought to seize swords and sticks allegedly being carried by some participants. Media reports said organisers had earlier assured authorities that no such items would be displayed during the event.
The situation escalated when some participants objected to the police action and allegedly attempted to retrieve vehicles that had been stopped. The confrontation subsequently turned violent, with stones allegedly thrown at police personnel, according to media reports.
Several police vehicles were damaged during the disturbance and some police personnel sustained minor injuries, media reports said. The crowd was later dispersed and the situation brought under control.
Media reports said one participant was injured during the unrest after being struck by a stone. He was taken to hospital for treatment and later alleged that he had been assaulted by police personnel. The allegation could not be independently verified.
The rally had been organised with permission from the district administration. Media reports said organisers had assured authorities that the programme would remain peaceful and comply with conditions laid down for the event.
Authorities said cases would be registered against those found responsible for the violence, including offences related to obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duties, damaging public property and disturbing public order.
Officials said police intervened after noticing dangerous stunts that allegedly endangered public safety. Authorities further alleged that some individuals obstructed police action and resorted to stone-pelting following the intervention. An investigation is under way.
