Dhule, Maharashtra: What began as a joyous wedding celebration in Pimpalner village turned into a scene of bloodshed after a violent clash reportedly involving Hindu and Muslim groups claimed three lives.
The fatal confrontation erupted during a Haldi ceremony, with tensions allegedly fuelled by objectionable messages and videos circulated on WhatsApp.
Three persons were killed and at least two others critically injured after a clash between two groups escalated into a knife attack during a wedding ceremony in Nilkanth Nagar, Pimpalner, in Maharashtra’s Dhule district on Thursday afternoon.
The violence broke out around 1 pm during the wedding function of members of the Gosavi community. According to preliminary reports, preparations for the Haldi ceremony were underway when tensions that had been simmering among relatives suddenly spiralled out of control.
Police told media that relatives from Sakri and Songad had travelled to attend the engagement and wedding functions. A dispute reportedly broke out earlier, and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense after some individuals circulated objectionable messages and videos on WhatsApp.
Investigators believe that the circulation of these messages aggravated existing differences, ultimately triggering the sudden attack. Eyewitnesses said sharp weapons were used during the clash, leading to multiple stab injuries.
Among those critically injured were Devendra Dnyaneshwar Pawar (35) and Sureshgir Suresh Mojgir Gosavi (55). Both were admitted to a rural hospital but succumbed to their injuries during treatment. One more person was killed in the attack, taking the death toll to three.
The injured include Sahil Suresh Gosavi, Pankaj Ashok Gir, Suresh Supdu Gir, and Sagar Gosavi. While some are undergoing treatment locally, one of the seriously injured victims has been shifted to the district hospital for advanced care.
Police have launched a detailed investigation into the sequence of events that led to the deadly confrontation. Security has been tightened in and around Pimpalner village to prevent further escalation.
Authorities are examining the role of the WhatsApp messages and the circumstances under which the dispute turned violent. Officials have appealed for calm and urged residents not to circulate unverified content on social media.
The tragic incident has left the village in shock, with what was meant to be a celebration of union turning into a day of mourning.
