Three persons were killed and at least 75 others sustained injuries when police opened fire to control two groups involved in a clash near Ghansoli in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, some 60 kms from Mumbai ciy.

Several policemen also sustained injuries as the crowd pelted stones at them in Navi Mumbai.

According to police, trouble started at Ghansoli village after some 'mathadi' (porters) workers allegedly molested a local girl on Wednesday, which led to an attack by villagers on the 'mathadi workers' colony on Thursday morning.  

As the crowds became unruly, police opened fire, they said, adding that a bodyguard of an official of mathadi workers' union was killed in the attack. The mob also attacked fire brigade vehicles and at least two vehicles were damaged.