India: BJP, Swabhiman Sanghatana supporters clash in Kankavali

Mumbai, Dec 5 (PTI) Supporters of the Swabhiman Sanghatana, an NGO, and the BJP Wednesday clashed in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, police said.

At least 40 supporters of the NGO, led by MLA Nitesh Rane, son of former Chief Minister and current MP Narayan Rane, the BJP were booked for the clashes, they said.

The clashes took place in the morning at Kankavali town when two students, who are also Swabhiman Sanghatana supporters, were allegedly beaten up BJP supporters, said an official.

On getting this information, local Swabhiman Sanghatana leader Samir Nalawade went to BJP member Sandesh Parkar's residence, where some of his supporters damaged at least three vehicles, he said.

Police rushed to the spot, but before that members of the two groups clashed again, the official said.

As tension prevailed in the area, additional police force was deployed in Kankavali to maintain peace and avoid any flare-up, he said.

"The scuffle occurred this morning when two college students were thrashed by another group at a college in Kankavali," said Dikshit Gedam, Superintendent of Police, Sindhudurg.

However, it was not clear what triggered the clashes.

Offences under relevant sections of the IPC were registered against at least 40 supporters of both the outfits, said Shivaji Koli, Inspector, Kanakavli Police Station.

"We have started a search for the accused persons and the situation is under control," he said.