1984 Bhiwandi riot

The 1984 Bhiwandi riots were a series of violent communal clashes that erupted in Bhiwandi, a town in Maharashtra, India, from December 6 to December 8, 1984. Triggered by the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her subsequent funeral proceedings, the riots predominantly involved confrontations between Hindu and Muslim communities. Significant destruction occurred, including loss of life, injury to hundreds, and extensive property damage. Official estimates indicated that over 200 people were killed, with thousands displaced. The events were marked by allegations of police inaction and partiality, leading to wider discussions on communal tensions and the need for social cohesion in India. The riots underscored persistent communal divisions in the region, impacting inter-community relations for years to come.