1970 Bhiwandi riots

The 1970 Bhiwandi riots were a series of communal clashes that erupted in Bhiwandi, a town in Maharashtra, India, from 6 to 10 September 1970. Triggered by a minor dispute over the construction of a mosque, the riots quickly escalated into widespread violence between the Hindu and Muslim communities. The unrest resulted in significant loss of life, with estimates of casualties ranging from 50 to over 100, alongside extensive property damage and arson that affected local businesses and homes. The government responded by deploying police and paramilitary forces to restore order, while also imposing curfews in affected areas. The riots highlighted underlying social tensions and sparked debates about communalism, governance, and minority rights in India.