Maharashtra: Section 144 Imposed in Akola After Clash Erupts Between Two Groups

A violent clash erupted between two groups over a minor dispute in the Old City police station area of Akola on Saturday.

The authorities have imposed Section 144 of the CrPC to prevent unlawful assembly of people in parts of the city. "Violent clash erupted between two groups over a minor dispute. Some Vehicles have been damaged by the violent mob. The situation is now under control," ANI quoted Akola SP Sandeep Ghuge as saying.

The incident took place at around 11.30 pm on Saturday in the sensitive Old City area, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Monika Raut said.

Members of the two groups pelted stones at each other. Some vehicles were also damaged in the incident, she said. Police used tear gas to disperse the rioters and the situation was now under control, the official said.

According to local administration, state Deputy State Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the guardian minister of Akola district, was monitoring the situation and appealed to people to maintain peace.

District Magistrate Neema Arora ordered the imposition of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which prohibits unlawful assembly of people, in four police station areas in the city to maintain law and order.

Heavy security was deployed in the city following the incident, ASP Raut said. One thousand personnel of the State Reserve Police from Amravati have been deployed in Akola city, she said. Raut appealed to citizens not to panic and not to believe in any rumour.

As of now, 26 people have been detained, the SP said. Eight people including two policemen were injured in the incident.