Dalit activists go berserk, torch Deccan Queen

Thane, Nov 30 (UNI) Five bogies of the Deccan Queen were torched at Ulhasnagar railway station and several buses stoned in the city today by alleged Dalit activists, protesting the desecration of the statue of Dr B R Ambedkar at Kanpur on Tuesday.

Violence continued unabated in several parts of the city and the district throughout the day as irate activists, besides setting afire the train, ransacked the railway station and stoned buses at the Wagle estate depot. Violence also erupted in Dombivli, Kalwa and Vitawa.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, who was scheduled to come here today to participate in a couple of functions, was forced to alter his plans due to violence. His visit now stands officially cancelled, NCP sources said.

There were reports that a mob had allegedly trespassed into some housing complexes and assaulted security guards stationed there besides smashing vehicles parked inside the compound.

The situation was tense but under control, police said.

UNI XR WD MSJ AT KN1746