Muslim groups clash on Id in Eluru district

KAKINADA: Clashes erupted between two Muslim groups at the Eidgah grounds in Jangareddygudem of Eluru district on Saturday.

Sources said Muslims had gathered in large numbers at the Eidgah for prayers. The prayers concluded with devotion and fervour and people started dispersing.

That is when an argument started between Shaik Jilani, now chairman of the Masjid Committee, and Shaik Baji and his son Shaik Akbar, who had been the president of the masjid for many years. Both the groups owe their allegiance to YSRC.

One of Jilani’s group asked Shaik Baji about the accounts of masjid during his tenure. This led to a quarrel between Shaik Baji and Shaik Jilani groups, which erupted into a clash.

Police forces from Jangareddygudem, Koyyalagudem and Buttayigudem rushed to the spot and dispersed them. Subsequently, the two groups clashed again at the Old Bus Stand in Jangareddygudem.

Police then took key leaders of the two groups to the police station, where they reached a compromise.

Jangareddygudem police said no case has been registered, as nobody has lodged any complaint.