Mob goes on rampage, pelts stones

Sangli, Maharashtra, Feb 27 (UNI) Activists of a local outfit, ''Shivpratisthan'', protesting against some 'objectionable remarks' in the film 'Jodha-Akbar', went on a rampage here today, pelting stones at city buses and other private vehicles, besides attempting unsuccessfully to set ablaze a police chowky.

The trouble started at noon when the ''Shivpratisthan'' activists, led by its chief Sambhaji Bhide, staged a demonstration in front of Trimurti cinema hall here over some 'objectionable remarks' in the film, leading to cancellation of the show, district Superintendent of Police (DySP) Krishna Prakash told UNI.

After the cancellation of the show, police tried to disperse the mob gathered outside the theatre to maintain law and order.

However, the activists gathered at Shivaji Chowk where they went on rampage, hurling stones at city buses and private vehicles.

They also damaged some shops. The mo did not pay heed to police requests for maintaining peace. Fearing damage, the shopkeepers downed shutters, he said.

In the stone-pelting incidents, about 12 city buses and other vehicles were damaged, Mr Prakash said and pointed out that the agitators did not even spare his and district collector's vehicles.

Some ten policemen, including himself, were injured in the incident.

Then the mob tried unsuccessfully to set on fire Gaobhag police chowky, he said, adding, the situation is tense but under control.

Mr Bhide was among eight injured who have been admitted to civil hospital, hospital sources said.

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