Sectarian violence between Hindus and Muslims in western India left over 250 dead and prompted an official inquiry exposing police anti-Muslim bias.
Key Facts
- Total deaths
- Over 250
- Muslims killed in Bhiwandi
- 142
- Hindus killed in Bhiwandi
- 20
- Muslims killed in surrounding areas
- 50
- Hindus killed in surrounding areas
- 17
- Investigating body
- Justice Madon Commission
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities in the Bhiwandi region of Maharashtra escalated in early May 1970, partly fueled by the activities of Shiv Sena, a Hindu-nationalist political party that the subsequent inquiry held partly responsible for inciting the violence.
On 7 and 8 May 1970, large-scale religious riots broke out in Bhiwandi, Jalgaon, and Mahad in Maharashtra, India. Fighting between Hindu and Muslim groups resulted in the deaths of over 250 people, with the heaviest toll falling on the Muslim population in Bhiwandi and the surrounding districts.
The Justice Madon Commission was established to investigate the riots. It documented the casualty breakdown, strongly criticized the police for exhibiting anti-Muslim bias in their response, and censured Shiv Sena for its role in provoking the violence, raising broader questions about communal policing and political accountability in India.
Political Outcome
Over 250 people killed; Justice Madon Commission found police anti-Muslim bias and criticized Shiv Sena for inciting violence.