Tight security at places of worship

Nizamabad, Andhra Pradesh, Oct 4 (UNI) Security has been tightened at temples and mosques to prevent any untoward incident in the wake of today's clash between two groups in Bodhan and Nizamamabd Towns.

Nizamabad Range DIG Anjan Kumar told newsmen that ten platoons had been deployed in Bodhan where the police fired in the air after a bandh called by the BJP against the alleged attack by a section of people during a religious procession on the eve of the Dusserah festival last night, turned violent at Bodhan Town this morning.

Sec 144 was clamped in the district.

Police said the two groups threw stones at each other when the BJP allegedly forced shops to down the shutters. Police resorted to lathicharge and fired in the air to disperse the mob. However, no one was injured.

Police caned the agitators when they tried to gherao MLA Sudharshan Reddy, who came to the spot. His car was damaged. A section of people set ablaze two shops in the town.

Speaking to reporters here, District Superintendent of Police Mahesh Chandra Laddah said the situation was tense but under control. ''If necessary, additional forces would be deployed in the town to maintain law and order,'' he said.

Police arrested BJP activists who participated in a rail roko at the railway station.

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