Riot cops nip tension in bud

A potentitally communal situation was averted by the Dharavi police on Friday afternoon,when the authorities of a Quranic study school objected to the recital of Hindu bhajans on a podium in the vicinity.

A potentitally communal situation was averted by the Dharavi police on Friday afternoon,when the authorities of a Quranic study school objected to the recital of Hindu bhajans on a podium in the vicinity. The podium formed part of arrangements made for a rath yatra,being taken out by a local outfit Vajra Dal to celebrate Ram Navami.

Around 3.30 pm,the school authorities had approached the activists of the outfit to turn down the sound for a while. The activists refused and this led to a quarrel. Stones were pelted and a few people were injured. However,the police brought the situation under control and detained a few protesters.

Three riot control police vans and two SRPF vans were pressed into service and officers were called in from all police stations in the area. The rath yatra was later held under heavy surveillance and the Muslim residents handed out water to its participants at the trouble spot.

We arrested no one, said Deputy Commissioner of Police,Zone V,Milind Bharambe. Asked if the loudspeaker had a permit,he said,No,but the investigation will begin only after the situation improves.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) KL Prasad said,The yatra happens every year and we will probe if it was organised by the Bajrang Dal or any other political party.

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