Muslim homes razed as clashes mar Hindu festival in India

Clashes between Hindus and Muslims during the Hindu festival of Ram Navami have prompted police in India to impose a curfew in several Indian states even as authorities in central Madhya Pradesh state demolished several houses belonging to Muslims, witnesses said and local media reported.

At least one person was killed and several houses or shops were set on fire in at least seven Indian states that witnessed violent clashes on Monday.

In Khargone in Madhya Pradesh, the district administration demolished the houses of many Muslims and alleged the residents were involved in stone-pelting a Hindu procession.

Videos on social media showed mobs pelting stones on mosques in several areas and DJs playing loud music outside the mosques.

“Police came to demolish Jama masjid complex in Talab chowk. They broke down the shutters of the shop but then they left after Muslims confronted them. But they have returned again and began demolishing the complex,” local news website Maktoob reported.