NASHIK, MARCH 25: A mob of about 200 Republican Party of India (RPI) activists pelted stones at shops, injured three persons and damaged 11 vehicles along Maldhakka Road in the Nashik Road area when a garage owner refused to donate Rs 501 towards the Dr Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations.Police said about 25 RPI workers led by Sachin Bhalerao (son of RPI corporator S P Bhalerao) had tried to extort Rs 501 from Ashfak Shaikh, who under duress had agreed to give only Rs 51. Incensed, the activists gathered about 200 supporters, who began to pelt stones in the area late last night. Five persons were arrested for rioting.
The incident follows complaints by traders of extortion by RPI workers for the party's Ishara Parishad in Peth on Sunday. The traders had accused the workers of extorting money and material from shopkeepers.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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