Akola: After the violence in Maharashtra’s Akola district, a high alert has been issued in Nagpur district as well. Police is keeping a close watch in sensitive areas of Nagpur district. After a meeting with senior police officers, the commissioner issued an order for strict action against patrolling armed police and those who disturb the peace.
One person has died and eight people, including two policemen, have been injured in Maharashtra’s Akola city after two communities clashed over a social media post. Officials said that the police have so far arrested 45 people in connection with the clash that took place at around 11.30 pm on Saturday in the sensitive ‘Old City’ area. Along with the suspension of internet service in the entire city, university examinations have also been postponed.
Stone pelting in Ahmednagar
After the incident of violence in Akola came to the fore, there was fierce stone-pelting between two groups in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra on Sunday night, in which the policemen were also injured. The incident of stone pelting took place during a procession taken out on the occasion of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary in Shevgaon town, after which the mob damaged shops and vehicles. To bring the situation under control, the police had to resort to lathis. Four policemen were also injured in this violent clash.
It is being told that a procession was taken out in the city around 5.30 pm on Sunday, in which a large number of youths participated. The procession reached Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk at around 8:00 pm, then suddenly one group pelted stones in the direction of the procession, while the other group says that stones were pelted at the religious place earlier also. After this, there was a stampede. However, later the police took charge, after which the situation could be brought under control.
Section-144 in Akol
Akola District Magistrate Neema Arora ordered the imposition of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in four police station areas of the city to prevent unlawful assembly of people to maintain law and order. Superintendent of Police (SP) Sandeep Ghuge said that the violence took place after a religious post went viral on a social media platform.
The situation in Akola is currently under control
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Monica Raut told that members of both groups pelted stones at each other. During this, some vehicles were also damaged. Raut told that the police used tear gas shells to disperse the rioters and the situation is now under control. The local administration said that Deputy Chief Minister of the state and Guardian Minister of Akola district Devendra Fadnavis is monitoring the situation. Fadnavis appealed to the people to maintain peace.
One thousand personnel of State Reserve Police deployed in Akola
Raut said that security has been tightened in the city after the incident. He told that one thousand personnel of State Reserve Police from Amravati have been deployed in Akola city. Raut appealed to the citizens not to panic and not believe any rumors.
