Saturday, April 9 2005 10:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bhilwara (Rajasthan): Hoisting of a flag atop a mosque in Bhilwara yesterday morning (Apr 8, 2005) triggered a communal clash prompting police to open fire in the air and lob teargas shells to bring the situation under control.

One person was injured in the communal flare up in Mandal area, some 15 kms from Bhilwara, IGP (Law and Order) Navdeep Singh told sources.

As tension ran high in the area, adequate police were deployed to maintain peace, he said.

The trouble erupted when some persons hoisted a flag atop a mosque and allegedly threatened the Imam, the IGP said.

Muslims submitted a memorandum to the district administration demanding arrest of those responsible for the incident.

In a retaliatory action, they allegedly disrupted a post-Holi rally by members of the other community, the IGP said adding a pitched battle ensued prompting police to open fire in the air and burst teargas shells to quell violence.

It is yet to be ascertained whether the person was injured in police firing or in the communal clash, he said.