Curfew has been in place in Dhule town in India's Maharashtra state where four people were killed after clashes between Hindus and Muslims.
Nearly 200 people, many of them policemen, were injured after violence broke out on Sunday evening.
Violence broke out over the non-payment of a hotel bill, reports said.
The deaths took place when police fired to disperse the violent groups. The situation is tense but under control, police said.
"Four people, including an 18-year-old boy, have died. The situation in Dhule is under control," Press Trust of India quoted senior police officer Deven Bharti as saying.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and the state Home Minister RR Patil have appealed for calm in the area.
.jpg)
