An old rivalry between two local groups turned violent in Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district on Friday night, leading to widespread arson, stone pelting, and damage to public and private property. The clash, which took place in Majra village under the Himmatnagar subdivision, resulted in several vehicles being set ablaze and multiple houses vandalised. Police have detained around 20 people so far and registered a case against more than a hundred others.
According to police officials, the situation spiralled out of control around 10:30 pm when members of the two groups began pelting stones at each other. Soon after, the violence spread through parts of the village, with reports of mobs torching two-wheelers and four-wheelers parked along the roadside. Window panes of several houses were shattered in the chaos, and thick plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the affected areas late into the night.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Atul Patel said that the incident was triggered by a long-standing rivalry between the two groups. “An incident of stone pelting and arson between two groups was reported around 10:30 pm in Majra village. The cause of the clash was an old dispute between them. More than 20 two-wheelers and over 10 four-wheelers were set on fire, and several houses were damaged,” Patel told reporters. 
He further confirmed that an FIR has been lodged against approximately 110 to 120 individuals believed to be involved in the violence. “So far, around 20 people have been rounded up, and their interrogation is underway. Nearly 10 people have sustained injuries in the clashes,” the officer added.
Following reports of the unrest, senior police officials rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control. Additional forces were deployed overnight to prevent further escalation. Visuals from the scene showed several burnt vehicles, shattered glass, and debris scattered across narrow village lanes. Police personnel could be seen patrolling the streets to ensure that no further violence broke out.
Authorities said that a detailed investigation is underway to identify all those responsible for instigating and participating in the violence. Teams have been deployed to maintain law and order, and a special squad is examining CCTV footage and videos shared on social media to trace the culprits.
“We have taken the situation under control and are keeping a close watch on the area. Peace has been restored for now, but we will continue to maintain a strong police presence to avoid any fresh incidents,” said a senior police official from Sabarkantha.
While the exact cause of Friday’s flare-up remains under investigation, sources said that a verbal altercation earlier in the day may have reignited the old enmity. By evening, both sides had gathered supporters, leading to a full-blown confrontation.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as mobs ran through the streets throwing stones and shouting slogans. “We suddenly heard loud noises and saw flames coming from parked vehicles. People were running in panic. The fire spread quickly, and the police arrived after some time to control it,” said a resident of Majra village.
