Sangli continues to remain tense

Sangli, Maharashtra, Feb 28 (UNI) A few state transport buses and private vehicles were damaged as violence rocked the city for the second consecutive day today over the screening of the film ''Jodha Akbar''.

The trouble was sparked off yesterday when activists of a local organisation ''Shivpratisthan'', led by their chief Sambhajirao Bhide, staged demonstrations in front of the Trimurti Cinema Hall here over the screening of the film.

Police was forced to resort to caning to disperse the mob. But the violence had flared up with the activists indulging in stone-pelting.

Bhide was injured in the lathi-charge following which his supporters had tried to burn down the Gaobhag police station in the city. The mob had also stoned the car of Sangli district collector Rajendra Chavan, police said.

Despite the imposition of prohibitary orders in parts of the city, a mob protesting police lathi-charge on the activists of a local organisation ''Shivpratisthan'', gathered in some parts of the city today and began stone pelting.

The mob damaged three police vehicles and three State Transport buses in stone-pelting incidents this afternoon, police sources said, adding, sub-divisional officer Hamant Nikam was injured in stone pelting.

They also tried to burn the Khanbhag police station, sources said, adding, the protestors later damaged two more police outposts.

Police resorted to mild lathi-charge and later burst seven tear gas shells to disperse the mob and bring situation under control, police added.

Additional police forces from Solapur and Satara have been requisitioned.

The tension in the city has also put hardships on the Standard XII students, whose examinations have started from today.

Senior BJP leader Sambhaji Pawar has blamed Sangli Superintendent of Police Krishna Prakash for the lathi-charge which led to the flare-up. He has demanded the transfer of the SP.

UNI BBK SSS LS RAI2141