Children's fight leads to clash in Malegaon; man opens fire, mob vandalises vehicles

A clash between two groups in Malegaon town in Nashik district resulted in one person firing on another, who managed to avoid getting hit, as well as damage to vehicles parked nearby, a police official said on Sunday.

The incident, which was a fallout of previous enmity, took place late Saturday night in Nava Islampur under Ayeshanagar police station limits, he added.

Laeek Ahmed Mohammed Kamil (42) has alleged that Mehtab Ali Shaukat Ali, angered over a quarrel between their children, ransacked his house along with 10-12 persons and also fired two rounds at him from two pistols, the official said.

"Kamil managed to duck in time and avoided getting hit. He was then beaten up by the mob led by Ali. The group also damaged some four-wheelers and a two-wheeler parked in the vicinity. Kamil has claimed he lost a mobile phone and Rs 50,000 in the ruckus that took place between 10:30pm and 11pm," the official said.

Kamil and Ali have had fights previously as well, though the latest incident was caused due to an altercation between their children on Saturday, the official said.

"Ali has been taken into custody, while a search is on for the others in the mob. Heavy police presence is being maintained in the area to ensure there is no law and order problem. Senior personnel visited the site last night as well as this morning. Further probe into the incident is underway," the Ayeshanagar police station official informed.