Vadodara: Celebrations marking World Tribal Day turned chaotic in Dahod district on Sunday after stone-pelting and clashes broke out near Muval Crossing, forcing police to fire around 10 tear gas shells to disperse the mob.The incident occurred after one of the rallies organised as part of the celebrations had covered a major portion of its route. According to police, participants blocked the road by placing DJ systems on it, leading to a traffic jam and bringing vehicular movement to a standstill.A police team reached the spot and attempted to clear the road. Police alleged that some Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers participating in the rally refused to move and began arguing with the personnel.“The AAP workers created a ruckus and argued with the police, which was followed by stone-pelting. We had to lob tear gas shells to bring the mob under control,” a police officer said.Police claimed that no one was injured in the clashes. The cops used tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore traffic movement in the area.However, AAP leaders rejected the police allegation that its workers were involved in the violence. Rakesh Baria, AAP’s Dahod unit leader, termed the allegation a conspiracy to defame the party and its members.“It’s a conspiracy to defame our party and its members. Those who took posters in support of AAP were the local tribals and not AAP workers. AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava has created an organisation of tribals in Dahod even before he joined the party and they carried his posters,” Baria said.Police were in the process of registering an FIR against those allegedly involved in the ruckus. No arrests had been made till Sunday evening.
