Friday, March 17 2006 14:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: Eight persons have been arrested in connection with the group clash at Ghansoli village in Navi Mumbai that left three persons dead and at least 48 injured after police opened fire on a rioting mob.

Navi Mumbai Police Control room authorities were, however, unclear as to whether the arrested persons are residents of Ghansoli village or Mathadi (porters) workers, but said that more arrests are likely during the course of the day.

There was no untoward incident reported in Ghansoli in the past 12 hours and the state reserve police force and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) continue to be deployed at the village, Navi Mumbai police sources said.

Residents of Ghansoli and Mathadi workers clashed with each other twice yesterday (Mar 17 2006) after some Mathadi workers residing in Simplex Colony near the village allegedly molested a village girl and smeared colour on her against her wish during Holi celebrations.

One person died in the group clash, while two were killed in the police firing that took place after both groups cornered a small police contingent and targeted it with stones and other objects, police said.

Over 40 persons were injured in the clash and firing, with DCP Amar Jadhav and Inspector Samsher Pathan of Navi Mumbai police getting injured in stone pelting. They have been admitted to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital, where their condition is stable, police sources added.

The Maharashtra government has decided to hold a high-level inquiry into the matter.