Tension gripped Indore on Wednesday as Hindus and Muslims pelted stones at each other and police resorted to lathicharge and teargas firing to disperse the rioting mobs.

The clash started over the alleged abduction of a Hindu girl by a Muslim man. Protesting the "abduction", Hindus, led by local BJP leaders, began pelting stones at Muslims in Paksikar colony, near the district collectorate, prompting Muslims to retaliate, police said.

Rioters also set on fire a few vehicles and damaged the building in which the accused lived, they added.

However, the "abducted" girl later returned home and claimed that she had gone with the man of her own free will. Police is now questioning her and the man.

A section of the rioters, especially local BJP leaders, were still demanding action against the accused, they said.

Police was deployed in strength in the area to monitor the situation. The situation is now under control, police said.