15 arrested for clashes at Naygaon

Nashik, July 11 (UNI) As many as 15 persons were arrested after clashes between two groups, over elections in a co-operative society, at Naygaon in Sinnar taluka of the district.

According to police, in the election of Goda Union Agri Co-operative Society, the group of Laxman Sangle, who supports MLA Manikrao Kokate, had won by a majority with nine seats, whereas the group supporting former MLA T S Dighole had won eight seats. But on July 9, one day before the election for the post of president, one of the directors Balasaheb Ramraje left Sangle's group and joined the opposition group.

When Ramraje arrived for the election yesterday, Sangle supporters allegedly attacked him and other directors of Dighole group.

They also allegedly attacked Ramraje's vehicle. Both the groups clashed with each other, using stones, sticks and throwing chairs at each other, police said. This created tension in the area, following which the chairperson deferred the election.

Two cases have been registered under sections 141, 143, 147, 148, 149, 341, 336, 324, 363, 504 and 506 of the IPC and section 135 of the Mumbai Police Act against 48 people from both the groups, of whom 15 have been arrested. Adequate vigil is being maintained in the area and the situation is tense, but under control, police said.

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