Summary:
THANE: As many as 36 people have been arrested in nine cases registered by the Thane police for rioting in the bandh called by Maratha organisation demanding reservation on Wednesday. "We have formed several teams to nab the accused who provoked the protesters for damaging the public property. "We used force to control the mob and also burst tear gas shells," the officer added.The commissioner added that normalcy had since returned in the city following this incident and the police were maintaining tight vigil across the commissionerate.The police requested the citizens not forward anything unverified on social that can create unrest in the society. But some elements penetrated into the mob to create trouble and attacked the police with stones.Singh said that the police tried to pacify the mob and also the leaders informed them that the bandh had been called off but a section of the mob did not listen to them instead went on the rampage.The police chief said those creating mischief were from the nearby shanties or those who had nothing to do with the agitation. The number may rise later, the police said.The total damage due to bandh is said to be approximately Rs 10 lakhs and the exact losses are yet to be calculated.The police said that most of the arrested persons are the antisocial elements and had nothing to do with the agitation, their sole intention was to disrupt peace in the city.Speaking to TOI, Thane police commissioner Param Bir Singh said they have identified the accused on the basis of various evidences and some more arrests are likely..