MEERUT, Sept. 17 -- A minor dispute over fishing in a drain escalated into a violent clash between two communities in Salawa village under Sardhana police station late Tuesday night, leaving nine people injured. Eight of them, in serious condition, were referred to Meerut Medical College from the Sardhana CHC, officials said.

The incident led to a heavy deployment of police forces and efforts by district officials to restore peace.

According to police, the clash erupted around 9pm near a drain on the road leading towards Muzaffarnagar when members of one community objected to members of another community reportedly fishing there.

A heated exchange ensued, following which both sides attacked each other with sticks. Women tried to interv...