MP: 168 people injured during stone pelting festival in Chhindwara
As many as 168 people suffered injuries during the annual "Gotmar" (stone-pelting) festival in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district, the administration said on Saturday.
Chhindwara District Collector Shriniwas Sharma said, "168 people have been injured, though their injuries are not grave."
He said that the area, where the festival took place, was monitored by the police personnel and drones.
#WATCH Madhya Pradesh: People at Pandhurna in Chhindwara district participate in the traditional 'Gotmar Mela'. At least 168 people were injured in the 'mela' (fair) where two villages, Pandhurna and Sawargaon, participate in the stone pelting against each other. (31.08.19) pic.twitter.com/JW1p8vKW5M
— ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2019
A case has been registered against those found using catapults to fling stones, Sharma added.
During the festival, residents of Pandhurna and Sawargaon villages gather on the opposite sides of the Jam river bank and pelt stones at each other as a part of a centuries-old tradition.
-ANI
First published: 1 September 2019, 13:47 IST