Curfew in Solapur ninety-three people arrested

Solapur, Nov 18 (UNI) A total of 93 people have been arrested in connection with the large-scale violence and arson in the town over the killings of four members of a dalit family in Khairlanji in Bhandara district on September 30, leading to imposition of curfew from 0800 hrs to 2000 hrs today.

Last night, Dalit groups torched a bus and pelted stones at several shops, creating tension in the town, which has been witnessing violent protests over the killings during the last four days.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) L R Bhosale told UNI that decision to clamp the curfew was taken late last night after talks at an all-party peace committee meeting failed. The meeting was held at the Police Commissioner's office in the presence of District Guardian Minister Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil, District Collector and other prominent citizens.

''We are trying to pacify all sections of people since the first incident of violence took place and requested them to maintain calm, but some of them had turned down our proposal, which forced us to impose curfew,'' the DCP said.

He said several people, who violated the curfew orders, were detained in few pockets of the town this afternoon.

Mr Mohite-Patil, who is camping in Solapur since the last 4 days, has requested the people to maintain peace.

UNI DWN/SP SSS-OBB YA RAI1846