Pune — The police fired three rounds in the air and resorted to a mild lathicharge to disperse two groups of people who clashed after stones were thrown at a mosque at Parvati junction here on Tuesday night. Six persons were injured in the stonepelting, the police said.

Eyewitnesses told the police that four or five people threw stones at the mosque around 10.30pm when sever al people had gathered to offer prayers. Trouble broke out soon after, and the attack was countered by the other group and its members took to the streets. Over a thousand people, representing both sides, started pelting stones at each other and damaged several vehicles passing through the area.

Police commissioner KK Pathak said the law-and-order situation was under control. “We managed to disperse the two groups.Sufficient policemen have been deployed in the area.” Police commissioner KK Pathak said, “We have registered offences of rioting and damage to property, among others. There is no need to impose curfew in the area.”

A police officer said the situation was tense till late in the night. More than 800 police personnel were deployed in the area to avert any escalation of violence. Riot control vehicles were sent to the spot and all roads leading to the area were cordoned off, The Times of India reported.

A huge reinforcement of police, comprising senior officers and personnel from the Dattawadi and adjoining police stations, the control room, striking force and the head quarters, was sent to the area to bring the sit uation under control.

The police have urged both groups to maintain peace.