The Hindu : Badlapur 'peaceful,' 50 arrested

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Oct 22, 2002

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National

Badlapur 'peaceful,' 50 arrested

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI Oct. 21. Curfew was clamped in Badlapur town of Thane district, 80 km from here, on Sunday night following violence. The trouble was the fall-out of an eve-teasing incident, which took place a week ago but subsequently took a communal turn.

Police today claimed that "everything is under control." And the Minister of State for Home, Kripashankar Singh, who denied that the riots were communal said "the incident was the (result of) anti-social conduct of some youth.''

The curfew, imposed in one police station limit, would continue to be in place till Tuesday as a matter of precaution. Rest of the town was under prohibitory orders.

Police firing failed to curb the violence, which started around 9 p.m. yesterday. Some shops and vehicles, including a police transport vehicle, were destroyed. Additional forces were rushed to the spot and curfew was clamped. Badlapur has no history of communal tension and consists mainly of the working class.

Five persons were injured in police firing. And 12 persons were admitted to the hospital. However, Mr. Singh claimed that no one was hurt in police firing. "But there are reports of use of some licensed firearms."

PTI reports from Thane:

At least 50 persons had been arrested as a preventive measure in connection with the incident, Mr. Singh said.

The Minister, who visited the riot-hit town this morning, said that the Maharashtra Government would give Rs. 600 to those affected by the riots.

The District Collector had been asked to submit a detailed report.

Mr. Singh also briefed the Chief Minister, Vilasrao Deshmukh, on the situation.

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