Curfew continues in Dhule for the fourth day

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October 08, 2008 17:22 IST

Curfew in riot-hit Dhule town continued for the fourth day on Wednesday though no fresh incidents of violence were reported, police said.

The curfew was imposed on Sunday after riots left four people dead. However, the situation in the north Maharashtra town is well under control, they said.

Meanwhile, the death toll in the communal violence has risen to seven after three more persons died in separate incidents till Tuesday night, police and hospital sources said.

A total of 165 people were injured in separate incidents till Tuesday. Currently 17 persons, two of them in critical condition, are undergoing treatment at the Dhule Civil hospital, civil surgeon T K Khot said.

Clashes broke out in the town when some people allegedly tore off banners, of the Hindu Rakshan Samiti, appealing to people to attend a meeting.

Police have arrested 200 persons and recovered swords, acid and petrol bombs.

Shoot at sight orders are in place to prevent any further flare up in the trouble-torn areas, police said.

Dhule has witnessed communal riots for the first time since 1993, when the town was affected by violence in wake of Babri Masjid demolition.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal will make an on-the-spot study of the situation arising out of communal clashes in the town. Jaiswal, during his visit on Wednesday, will review the situation at the meeting with senior district officials, a Home Ministry spokesman said.

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