Akola violence: Eight injured as two groups clash over 'offensive' Instagram post; Sec 144 imposed

Akola violence: Police imposed impose Section 144 in Maharashtra's Akola after two groups clashed over an 'offensive' Instagram post about a religious leader. Eight people, including two cops, were injured in the clash and vehicles were set on fire on Saturday night. So far, 26 people have been taken into custody.

Police clamped prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPc and deployed heavy force in the area to restore law and order. The clashes erupted in the Old City police station area of Akola.

'Offensive' Instagram post

An 'offensive' Instagram post about a religious leader triggered a gathering at a police station at Akola on late Saturday night, police sources told reporters.

"Clashes erupted between two groups and they pelted stones at each other and vehicles were also torched. Section 144 was also imposed in three different police station areas. Eight people have been injured and immediate police action was taken to control the violence," Akola SP Sandeep Ghuge said.

Though the police registered a case but the situation worsened as the crowd went into a frenzy. Rioters 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 after which cops resorted to teargas shells.

Two cases filed

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.

"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 said.

Additional police forces were called in from rural areas of Akola district, Washim, Buldhana and Amravati.

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