Violent clashes broke out in the Akola district of Maharashtra on May 13, between two groups leaving one dead and several injured. As per the media reports, following an argument there began stone pelting, creating a ruckus on the streets. Notably, the attacks erupted in the old city police station area, police took control of the streets and section 144 of the CrPC was imposed in the town.
The injured and severely injured people were taken to the civil hospital. Reports claim a man was found dead in the violence.
As per a report by India TV, the clashes broke out following an Instagram post, allegedly making derogatory remarks about the founder of Islam. The post which called out the violence was later deleted. After taking control of the situation, the police teams are examining the CCTV footage to track the rioters. As of now, the police have registered an FIR against as many as 120 miscreants.
As of now, two police cases have been filed in this matter, one at Ramdaspeth police station regarding the Instagram post and the other at Old City police station regarding the violent clashes.
The dead person has been identified as 40-year-old electrician, Vilas Gaikwad, a resident of Hariharpeth in Akola. Vilas put up a status supporting the film, ‘The Kerala Story’. However, the Muslim side accused his post had made derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammad, and falls under blasphemy, reported Times of India.
News agency ANI shared the visuals from the ground, where charred vehicles and vandalised properties can be seen. The caption says, “Section 144 imposed in Akola following a violent clash between two groups over a minor dispute in the Old City police station area of Akola yesterday; morning visuals from the spot
“Some Vehicles have been damaged by the violent mob. The situation is now under control,” said Akola SP Sandeep Ghuge”
#WATCH | Maharashtra: Section 144 imposed in Akola following a violent clash between two groups over a minor dispute in the Old City police station area of Akola yesterday; morning visuals from the spot
"Some Vehicles have been damaged by the violent mob. The situation is now… pic.twitter.com/6ZNokV0lVA
— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2023
Notably, Sandeep Ghuge, SP Akola said, “Tension prevailed between the two communities over hurting religious sentiments. Stone pelting happened, and vehicles were also damaged. Heavy police deployment is there in the city. One was brought dead to Civil Hospital, but we are investigating it. As of now, 26 people detained. 8 including 2 policemen are injured and are out of danger”
“The man killed in the violence has been identified as Vilas Gaikwad. His relatives and son-in-law Mohan Kishan Gondwale have filed a complaint and we are looking into it,” he added.
Additional police forces were called in from rural areas of Akola district, Washim, Buldhana and Amravati. So far, 30 people involved in the violence have been taken into custody.
Notably, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis said that he was in touch with the DGP and Akola Police. He added that the situation is now peaceful and under control.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis was in touch with the DGP as well as the Akola Police since last night regarding the Akola incident. Now the situation is completely under control and there is peace. So far around 30 accused have been arrested and Deputy CM has also… https://t.co/PKDp8QMaCr pic.twitter.com/ynBQAWsFLu
— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2023
State Rural Development Minister Girish Mahajan visited the riot-affected area on May 15.
Talking to reporters, he said, “It is suspected that the incident was pre-planned. Some houses and vehicles were damaged. Strict action would be taken against the culprits.” Mahajan also met the family of the man killed in the violence and expressed condolence.
He also inspected the violence-affected areas near Rajarajeshwar temple and Harihar Peth in Akola.
Mahajan said state Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced assistance of Rs 4 lakh for the family of the person killed in the violence.
