‘Pre-Planned Incident’, – Maharashtra’s Minister Girish Mahajan On Akola Violence

The state minister has assured the government’s support to the deceased’s family members, who are from a poor financial background

Written by Alina Khan May 15, 2023

Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan on Akola Violence

Taking notes from Maharashtra’s Akola incident, where the clash between members of two communities happened, the state minister Girish Mahajan has claimed one person’s life and left nine others injured was possibly “pre-planned.”

On Saturday night, the clash broke out in the sensitive Old City area of Akola district over a religious post which went viral on a social media platform, a senior police official said.

During the clash, members of the two groups pelted stones at each other and indulged in large-scale vandalism. The rioters set on fire some two-wheelers and four-wheelers during the violence.

One was killed and eight injured

According to the police officials, one person was killed and eight others, including two policemen, were injured.

The police have detained 26 people in connection with the incident and deployed heavy security in the violence-hit areas, the officials added.

The person killed in the violence has been identified as Vilas Gaikwad (40), they said.

Internet services were shut down in the entire city to check the spread of any rumours on social media.

Section 144 imposed

After the incident, 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 of the city to maintain law and order.

State Rural Development Minister Girish Mahajan visited the riot-affected area on Sunday.

Also Read: Stone Pelted, Vehicles Torched As Violent Clash Broke Out In Maharashtra’s Akola, Sec 144 Imposed

‘Pre-planned incident’: Girish Mahajan

Speaking to the media, the minister said, “It is suspected that the incident was pre-planned. Some houses and vehicles were damaged. Strict action would be taken against the culprits.”

Further, the minister, 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.

Moreover, he said state Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced assistance of Rs 4 lakh for the family of the person killed in the violence. He assured the government’s support to the deceased’s family members, who are from a poor financial background.