Increased tension in Agra after instances of violence

According to reports published on 9 September 2008, communal tensions increased in Agra after instances of violence in the city. The violence began after a minor traffic accident and escalated into mob violence, during which stones were thrown and two houses were set on fire. The main body of the disturbance was reported in Mantola neighborhood, located approximately 2 mi/3 km from the Taj Mahal. Police officers were deployed en masse throughout the city and were forced to use tear gas and baton charges to disperse the rioters.