Akola (Maharashtra), Feb 18 (IANS): At least six people were injured after two groups clashed in Hatrun village of Akola district in Maharashtra on Monday.

The incident took place at around 3.30 pm when members of two groups pelted stones, vandalised the properties and set vehicles on fire.

The police have so far arrested three persons and stepped up vigil in the area to maintain law and order.

According to police, a minor dispute between two groups suddenly took a violent turn leading to fighting, stone pelting and arson. During the clash, a car was also set on fire and was burnt to ashes. There was heavy stone pelting and vandalism between both sides, which led to tension in the village.

Akola district SP Bachchan Singh confirmed that six people have been injured while three have been arrested and the search for the remaining people is ongoing and they are being identified. He further said that the injured are being treated at the Akola district hospital. He added that the condition of one of the injured is critical.

“The trigger for dispute was one group suspected that the other group was informing the police against them. That led to suspicion and after that the second group attacked the first group and the matter escalated and the situation went out of control,” said the Akola SP.

He further stated that the heavy police force had been deployed in Hatrun village. The situation is under control.