Builder and 3 others accused in monk's murder case

Mumbai, Jan 7 (UNI) Police have registered a murder case against a builder and three others for their alleged involvement in the mysterious death of Buddhist monk Buddha Bhante Bhadhant Sanghraj which led to widespread incidents of violence in parts of this metropolis yesterday.

The 75-years-old monk was found hanging from the ceiling of his house at Gautam Nagar in Deonar in north-east Mumbai. Complainant, Nandbodhi Boddha has accused builder Lakdawala, Dr Vivek Kolekar, Arun Kamble, Manohar Jadhav and their accomplices for the death of the monk, police said here today.

The deceased, who was an executive member of the 'Budh Vihar Committee', had a dispute with the accused over a piece of land belonging to Budh Vihar.

Preliminary invetigations have revealed injury marks on the body of the monk, including his neck and thumb.

Meanwhile, situation in the city is peaceful and all the sensitive areas have been put under strict vigil, police said. Some parts of the city observed bandh with shops and establishments downing their shutters.

Police have registered three cases of rioting and breach of peace against over 300 people.

As the news abount monk's death spread yesterday people from Dalit dominated areas of the city came out on streets and forced traders to shut down their establishments. The agitated mob also indulged in stone pelting and arson damaging public and private property.

UNI ST/IAS NM VK RC GC1325