A controversy over a rangoli in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, escalated into violent clashes, prompting police action and political responses. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, commenting on the incident, emphasized the need to investigate any underlying conspiracies and those attempting to destabilize the social fabric. He raised the possibility of an attempt to polarize the situation, similar to the tactics seen during the Lok Sabha elections. Fadnavis underscored the importance of religious freedom and the right of every individual to practice their traditions, while condemning any actions that could lead to social discord.
Following the violence, the Ahilyanagar police arrested 30 people. To manage the situation, the police used a light baton charge. The incident began at approximately 7 am. The trigger was a rangoli created during the Navratri festival containing offensive content against the Muslim community.