A riot that broke out between two groups in Parel on Sunday, gave Mumbai police a rather sleepless night. Apart from controlling the angry mob, cops were forced to tackle another problem. Gossip mongers had a field day spreading rumours via WhatsApp, keeping the city and the cops on tenterhooks.
On Sunday evening, the Mumbai police swung into action on the streets, controlling an angry mob comprising two groups who had clashed with each other at Lalbaugh junction in Parel.
In no time, information of the clash spread like wildfire, in adjoining areas of Kalchowky, Worli and Byculla, thanks to WhatsApp.
Bystanders took pictures of the assembled mob, vandalized two wheelers and, giving the matter a communal angle, shared the stills with friends via the social app. Messages were floated asking netizens to stay indoors, as a 'riot broke out' in the city.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dhananjay Kulkarni explained how the rumour made it more difficult for the cops to bring the situation under control. He said: "We had to control the crowd, and at the same time, ensure that the rumours don't spread in other parts of the city."
He added: "As soon as we got to know about the false news being spread, we sent out a message on behalf of the Mumbai police assuring citizens that the city was safe and everything was under control."
The incident took place when some people raised an objection to members of a religious procession travelling in threes, causing inconvenience to the pedestrians. An argument ensued between both groups, following which both attacked each other.
Police immediately put additional forces on the job and brought the situation under control. A case against 50 unknown people for unlawful assembly and rioting has been registered at Bhoiwada police station.
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