RAF personnel take clashing villagers into custody in Navi Mumbai on Friday. (PTI)

Navi Mumbai, March 18: The Holi clash that spilt blood in a Navi Mumbai village stretched into the fourth day with rioters clashing on streets, burning tyres and targeting a police station and a minister’s residence.

A festering conflict over land between the old and new settlers (Agri Kolis and Mathadis) of Ghansoli village erupted into violence on Holi after a girl was molested.

Clashing gangs marched to nearby villages this afternoon, including Koparkhairane, Nerul, Turbhe and Juhi, trying to whip up support for their respective communities. Several roadblocks were set up. There was picketing near some schools.

The gangs clashed among themselves and with police, who were forced to wield the cane and fire tear gas shells. A mob barged into Rabale police station and beat up the cops on duty.

Some headed for the local grain markets and trade centres. So far, the clashes have been restricted to the villages, leaving the urban areas of Kharghar untouched.

A gang of Mathadis pelted stones and raised slogans outside the home of state environment minister Ganesh Naik. Naik had visited the trouble-torn areas yesterday but was shooed away.

“The clashes are now taking shape of a conflict between native villagers and outsiders over loss of jobs and opportunities for those who have been based here for centuries,” a Ghansoli resident Maneckram said.

The skirmishes have also begun to take a political colour with Congress minister Naik backing the Agri Kolis and NCP leader Shashikant Shinde rooting for the Mathadis.

There is some anger against the police, who opened fire on Thursday after mobs went on a rampage. Two youths were killed in the firing and several, including a DCP, injured.

Trouble continued yesterday with gangs forcibly shutting shops and grain markets. A rumour that a youth had been wounded in firing set off a mob attack on Nerul police station.

“Ghansoli residents are demanding the suspension of policemen of Rabale thana who started Thursday’s firing,” Ramakant Mhatre, deputy mayor of Navi Mumbai, said.

Late in the evening, inspector Shamsher Pathan who ordered Thursday’s firing was transferred. An inquiry by the revenue commissioner has been ordered, deputy chief minister R.R. Patil said.

“They are all Maharashtrians and the fight will be sorted out soon,” he said.

Over 100 people have been arrested so far. At least 85 people have been injured. The Rapid Action Force has been called in.

Many people have, however, begun to move out of the village. Some have sent their families to safer places.

“There is too much tension here, shops are shut and it’s scary to venture out of the house. At least 200 families have left for their villages,” said Suresh, a resident of the Mathadi colony.