The Rapid Action Force had to be called in yesterday evening to control the situation. Pics: Sameer Markande

Holi celebrations in Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, went horribly wrong when a minor fight erupted into a riot that killed three and injured about 75 others.

But the Holi fight was only the tip of the iceberg. The riots were the culmination of a years-old feud between the Agris of Ghansoli village and Mathadis of Simplex colony.

The three men killed were Jagdish Patil and Santosh Patil, two Ghansoli villagers who died in police firing, and NCP leader Narendra Patil’s bodyguard Nyandev Bhaugade, who died after sustaining stab wounds.

Patil too was attacked. He is now in the ICU of MGM Hospital, Vashi, after sustaining injuries to his head and wrists. Several policemen were also injured.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Amar Jadhav sustained injuries to his head. Shamsher Pathan, senior police inspector of Rabale police station, who sustained face injuries, said, “Yesterday morning, it was 25 cops versus thousands of villagers.” Two constables have been hospitalised too. Property worth lakhs has been damaged in the riot.

Feud over land

Tension between the villagers and the Mathadis had been brewing for a while. Raju, a resident of Simplex colony, said, “The land on which CIDCO built this colony belonged to the Agris from Ghansoli village. Two years back, CIDCO bought their lands for a decent sum and built this colony, after which we Mathadis started residing here.

“Though we are owners of the land now, the Agris from Ghansoli still feel certain hold over this land. This is one of the reasons why they got angry when we blocked their entry into the colony. But we did not have any other option, as they regularly harass our women and pick fights with us.”

Inside the village

MiD DAY paid a visit to Meena Criticare Hospital where 13 people have been admitted following the police firing. Rajesh Tripathy was battling for his life in the ICU. 

Vikas Mhatre, a villager said, “I do not know why everyone is supporting the Mathadis. If you take a look around our village, you will realise that we have suffered more than the residents of Simplex. And they get police protection, instead of us.”

The situation at Ghansoli worsened in the evening. Ramakant Mhatre, deputy mayor of Navi Mumbai, said, “Ghansoli residents are demanding the suspension of Rabale Senior PI Shamsher Pathan and E S Amoulikh, who started the firing, and other cops involved.”

Environment Minister Ganesh Naik was driven out by the villagers when he came to inspect the area in the evening. And with every passing hour, the villagers were getting more agitated as they had still not been granted possession of Jagdish Patil’s body. The curfew was tightened with the Rapid Action Force and police from all over Navi Mumbai patrolling the area.