Ahmedabad: A dispute triggered by a firecracker spark allegedly landing on a two-wheeler escalated into a violent clash between two groups near Karnavati Flower Mart in Mumatpura on Diwali day, leaving several people injured.Sarkhej police registered cross-complaints late on Friday night, with both sides accusing each other of assaulting members of the rival group using iron pipes and sticks. In both FIRs, police invoked sections related to rioting, voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons and voluntarily causing grievous hurt.According to the first complaint, a group of youths was bursting firecrackers near a flower shop when a spark allegedly struck a two-wheeler carrying three persons. The occupants stopped and confronted the youths, leading to an argument. The complainant alleged that when his relatives intervened, members of the other group attacked them.He claimed that one assailant struck him on the head and shoulder with a stick, while another hit his brother-in-law on the left side of his back with an iron pipe. The complainant sustained a head injury that required 13 stitches, while his brother-in-law suffered a fracture in the rib area, the complaint stated.In the cross-complaint, a member of the other group alleged that he rushed to the spot after being informed by a friend that he had been assaulted. He claimed that while travelling on a two-wheeler with two others, they were stopped near the flower shop by a group of eight people and attacked with iron pipes and fists.The complainant alleged that one of the attackers struck him on the back of the head with an iron pipe, causing an injury that required stitches. His friend reportedly suffered a fracture above his left eye along with other injuries.Both parties cited the Diwali festivities as the reason for the delay in filing complaints, stating that talks aimed at reaching an amicable settlement were underway.
