Maharashtra: 1 dead, 8 injured in clashes over Instagram post in Akola; Sec 144 imposed

An 'offensive' Instagram post about a religious leader infuriated the mob which went berserk and created mayhem in Maharashtra's Akola.

Akola (Maharashtra):One person was killed and eight others, including two policemen, were injured after a clash broke out between members of two communities in Maharashtra's Akola city over a social media post, officials said on Sunday. The police have detained 26 people in connection with the incident which took place at around 11.30 pm on Saturday in the sensitive Old City area, they said.

Authorities have ordered the imposition of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which prohibits unlawful assembly of people, in four police station areas in the city to maintain law and order. The violence took place after a religious post which went viral on a social media platform, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sandip Ghuge said.

He, however, said that the situation is now under control. The police officer further said the clash broke out over an alleged attempt by a man, who belonged to a group, to hurt the religious sentiments of another group. Social media visuals showed the gathering of people and arson from the spot.

"Stone pelting happened, and vehicles were also damaged. Heavy police deployment is there in the city. One was brought dead to Civil Hospital, but we are investigating it. As of now, 26 people detained. Eight including two policemen were injured," he added.

Giving further updates, Akola collector Neema Arora said, "Following the violent clashes in Akola, Section 144 has been imposed in the city." Another source said an 'offensive' Instagram post about a religious leader infuriated the mob which went berserk and created mayhem. The skirmishes turned violent when members of another community also rushed to the spot and started hurling stones at the other group. Violence was reported in areas near Gangadhar Chowk, Pola Chowk, and Harihar Peth.