State govt stalls construction of police station at Bhiwandi

MUMBAI: The state government has stalled the construction of a police station next to a mosque in Bhiwandi, which had sparked violent protests claiming the lives of four persons, including that of two policemen.

The step was aimed at defusing tension, sources said, adding deputy chief minister RR Patil, who holds the home portfolio, was likely to visit the town and hold discussions with the residents, the police and the government officials.

Two persons were killed in police firing and two policemen were killed by a mob yesterday. Officials said the plot, where the police station was being constructed, was in possession of the police since 1920.

The Bhiwandi violence had its reverberations in the state assembly also. Replying to an adjournment motion moved by the opposition, Mr Patil said that the government would come down heavily on the anti-social elements at Bhiwandi.

Reacting to the opposition’s demand that Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi be booked for treason for inciting the mob through his speeches and actions in Bhiwandi, Mr Patil said the police would probe the charge and take action against the SP leader if found guilty. He declared an ex-gratia of Rs 7.5 lakh each to the kin of the murdered constables.