Deshmukh, Patil, Jaiswal visit Dhule

Dhule, Oct 8 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh along with Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, Union Minister of state for Home Shree Prakash Jaiwsal and Director General of Police A N Roy today visited riot victims in the district civil hospital.

Mr Deshmukh has announced a compensation of Rs five lakh to the kin of the dead, Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 to those who have suffered minor injuries in the riots.

Mr Deshmukh assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the riots, adding that the state government would soon strengthen the banner related Act.

Meanwhile, Mr Patil indicated that the riots may be pre-planned.

He said relief to the riot-affected people and maintenance of peace and order in the district was the government's priority. The government would take all possible steps to provide essential goods to the people, who are facing acute shortage of commodities due to the curfew, Mr Patil said.

He said food and health services will soon be made available to the people in the relief camps.

The Deputy Chief Minister also assured free of cost treatment to those affected.

He said considering the situation the district administration may decide to relax the curfew imposed since the last four days, on the occasion of Dassera tomorrow.

Meanwhile, no major incidence of violence have been reported from the district, where the situation continues to be tense but under control.

Two more persons were killed in the riots yesterday, it was officially stated here. Earlier, five people, including two in police firing, were killed as communal riots broke out in the city on Sunday after posters were torn. At least 150 people were injured in the group clashes and several vehicles, shops and houses were set ablaze by rampaging mobs.

At least 277 people have so far been arrested by police in connection with the riots, official sources said.

UNI XR-GB RN AE HS1813