Maharashtra government orders FIR and SIT probe into Nashik violence

Mumbai (IANS) | The Maharashtra government on Tuesday ordered registration of an FIR into the incident of unauthorized gathering of some people outside the famous ‘Yambakeshwar Temple’ and formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the Nashik riots. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered ‘stern action’ in the matter while directing formation of an SIT headed by an Additional DGP rank officer to probe the incident.

Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, said the SIT would probe not only the latest incident, but also a similar incident last year in which some mob allegedly entered the ‘Yambakeshwar temple’ through the main gate. Went.

However, the local police have argued that the rumor of alleged unauthorized entry into the temple was baseless and that the incident happened due to some misunderstanding.

Tension prevailed in Nashik on May 13 when a mob allegedly gathered outside the Yambakeshwar temple and then tried to forcefully enter the premises.

This led to high tension turning into violent clashes, even as the temple authorities called in the police to control the situation and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed appropriate action in the matter.

At least three dozen miscreants from both sides were detained after tensions calmed down in the town on Tuesday, while local police held reconciliation meetings between the two groups to work out a solution.

Leaders of the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) have criticized the government for law and order failure, with the state witnessing two incidents of violence in Akola and then Nashik over the weekend.

Rejecting the opposition’s allegations, Fadnavis said some forces were trying to create trouble in the state, but they would be thwarted and would soon be exposed.

–IANS