Clash Erupts in Maharashtra: According to officials, members of two communities in Akola City, Maharashtra, engaged in a clash over a controversial social media post, leading to the imposition of Section 144 of the CrPC in certain areas of the city to prohibit the illegal gathering of people.
The clash, which took place at around 11:30 pm on Saturday in Akola's sensitive Old City area, left two to three individuals injured, stated Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Monika Raut.
She further added that one person was feared dead as a result of the violence.
During the clash, members of the two groups hurled stones at each other, leading to damage to some vehicles, as per ASP Monika Raut.
The police employed tear gas to disperse the rioters, and the situation is now under control, according to the official.
The local administration has reported that the state Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the guardian minister of Akola district, is keeping an eye on the situation and has urged citizens to maintain peace.
To preserve law and order, District Magistrate Neema Arora has imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in four police station areas of the city, which prohibits the illegal gathering of people.
In the aftermath of the incident, heavy security has been put in place across the city, as per Ms Raut. A thousand personnel from the State Reserve Police in Amravati have been stationed in Akola city.
Ms Raut has urged citizens not to be anxious and to refrain from believing any unfounded rumours.
