Riots against 'Jodhaa Akbar' fuelled by anti-social elements: DCM

Mumbai, Apr 24 (UNI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil today said in the Legislative Council that riots in Sangli to protest the screening of 'Jodhaa Akbar' were fuelled by anti-social elements.

Making a statement on a calling attention notice by Mr Sanjay Dutt (Congress) and others, he said 179 people were booked for rioting during the trouble that broke out on February 27. Around 59 policemen and 56 civilians were injured in the incidents.

Mr Patil denied that police had deliberately targetted Shivpratishthan head Sambhajirao Bhide, who had organised a protest against the film's screening in Sangli and said he received only minor injuries in the lathicharge.

He said the IGP was investigating whether Sangli superintendent Krishna Prakash had misbehaved with Bhide and made any provocative statement.

UNI AAA/JM SR SW VC1918