Govt orders probe into Navi Mumbai violence; Inspector transferred

Mumbai, Mar 18 (UNI) The Maharashtra government today ordered an inquiry into riots in the satellite township of Navi Mumbai, which witnessed violence for the third day after the deaths of two persons in police firing and one in group clashes on Thursday, following an incident of eve-teasing during the Holi revelry at Ghansoli.

The probe will be conducted by an Additional Director General of Police who has been asked to submit his report in three days, Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, who also holds the Home portfolio, said this evening after meeting representatives of villagers, 'Mathadi' (head load) workers, police officials and various political parties from Navi Mumbai at Mantralaya.

Police Inspector Shamsher Pathan, who has been in the eye of the storm for the Navi Mumbai riots, was transferred on public demand by the Home Minister.

Mr Pathan has been accused of 'mishandling' the clashes between the Mathadi workers and residents of Ghansoli village and ordering firing on the rioting mob which claimed two lives and left many wounded.

Briefing reporters, Mr Patil said besides the ADGP a Revenue Commissioner of other than Konkan division will also probe if the police firing was avoidable. The state CID would inquire into the death of the bodyguard of, Mathadi Workers' Union leader Narendra Patil during the group clashes at Ghansoli on Thursday, he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister assured to take up the Chief Minister villagers' demand for adequate compensation for their land acquired by the government for various developmental projects.

Meanwhile, police have arrested more than 50 people on charge of rioting at Khoparkhairne, where the violence continued unabated for the third day. The curfew clamped there this afternoon continues and police patrolling has been intensified to keep a watch on the situation which is tense but under control.

Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Vijay Kamble said a combing operation has been launched in the satellite township to arrest trouble makers.

He said police today had to fire tear gas shells when the rioting mob stormed Rabale police station and damaged parked vehicles at Koparkhairne.

Last night, an agitated mob had stormed the Nerul police station.

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