At least four people were killed and dozens hurt on Thursday as casteless Hindus rioted in the western Indian state of Maharashtra over the vandalism of a statue of their leader, police said.
A mob representing a political faction of what are locally referred to as the dalit (oppressed) targeted buildings and vehicles to protest the alleged vandalism several days ago of a statue of their late leader, B.R. Ambedkar, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
TRAINS TARGETED
Rampaging mobs set two passenger trains on fire, damaged more than 100 state-run buses and clashed with police in several cities and towns of Maharashtra state.
"The protestors first asked passengers to alight from the Deccan Queen and then set it on fire," Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil told reporters.
He said another train was similarly torched.
Police put the number of people injured at 60 but ambulance personnel and volunteers said more than 150 were injured in the rioting.
"We have arrested dozens of these rioters across the state," Maharashtra police chief P.S. Pasricha said, confirming four deaths but not the cause.
He also said there was sporadic street violence on Thursday in Mumbai, the country's financial capital, related to the incident.
CURFEWS
Curfews were in place in Thane and other towns following reports that the commuter rail system in Mumbai was also the target of attacks, but local police said order was restored by late on Thursday.
"We are taking precautionary steps to maintain order in Mumbai on Dec. 6, when thousands of Ambedkar's followers will gather in the city for the leader's death anniversary," deputy chief minister Patil said.
Ambedkar, one of the key authors of India's Constitution, fought for equal rights for the group during and after the freedom movement from British colonial rule, which ended in 1947.
Schools and shops also closed as the mobs spread in the Mumbai suburb of Thane, and police used steel-tipped batons and fired teargas to disperse them in the suburb as well as in the city, police said.
Eyewitnesses said police also fired rifles but the report could not be immediately confirmed.
DISCRIMINATION
The dalit have faced discrimination in employment, housing and education for centuries from upper caste members, many of whom hold positions of authority in government and business.
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