Riot in Bhagur over `no-trust' move, 18 injured

Riot in Bhagur over `no-trust' move, 18 injured
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

NASHIK FEB 23: Eighteen persons, including nine policemen, were injured in stone-pelting and police lathi-charge after the chairperson of the Bhagur Municipal Council lost a no-confidence motion on Wednesday.

Shiv Sainiks indulged in stone throwing after Rohini Gaikwad lost the motion by seven votes in a council of 17. The no-trust motion was moved by 11 members at a special meeting presided over by the sub-divisional magistrate, Pravin Shinde. Three members of the Sena (Rajendra Sonawane, Chandrabhaga Salve and Leelabai Bagde) and one Independent (Jyoti Sonawane) tilted the scales against the party.

Local Shiv Sainiks had gathered in large number at the council office. The council was ruled by the Shiv Sena and its allies. Three members from the ruling party had recently joined the opposition taking their strength to 11, annoying the Sena leaders.

Soon after the results were announced, angry sainiks went on a rampage. The policemen lathicharged to quell the mob. Nineteen persons including the local Sena chief Vijay Karanjkar and Sena councillor Vithal Pingal. The incident had caused panic among public, especially students returning from schools prompting Army personnel from the School of Artillery to escort the children to their homes.