By India Today News Desk: Violent clashes and stone pelting between two groups were reported in Maharashtra’s Akola on Saturday night, prompting the police to clamp prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPc. One person was killed and three others, including a cop, were injured in the clashes and a heavy police force had to be deployed in the area to restore law and order. The clashes erupted in the Old City police station area of Akola.

An ‘offensive’ Instagram post about a religious leader triggered a gathering at a police station at Akola on late Saturday night, police sources told India Today.

The police registered a case but the situation turned violent as the crowd went into a frenzy and started smashing vehicles, pelting stones and setting fire on them. The mob damaged around 7-8 vehicles in the area and the police had to use force to bring the situation under control.

The clashes turned violent when members of another community also arrived at the spot and started hurling stones at the other group. Violence was reported in areas near Gangadhar Chowk, Pola Chowk, and Harihar Peth.

A police van was also damaged during the violence and some police officers also sustained injuries, prompting the cops to resort to teargas shells.

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.

15 HELD SO FAR

“Violent clash erupted between two groups and police forces were called in immediately. Some vehicles have been damaged by the violent mob. The situation is now under control. We appeal to people to maintain peace,” Akola SP Sandeep Ghuge told India Today.

Additional police forces were called in from rural areas of Akola district, Washim, Buldhana and Amravati. So far, 15 people involved in the violence have been taken into custody.

(With inputs from Dhananjay Sable)

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