Curfew imposed in Pune's Pimpri-Nigdi area

PUNE: Curfew has been clamped in 14 localities of Pune's Pimpri-Nigdi area on Thursday morning due to large-scale violence in the area on Wednesday, subsequent to the alleged desecration of a statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar in Kanpur.

"Curfew has been imposed in 14 localities of Pimpri-Nigdi area at about 6.30 am," city Police Commissioner D N Jadhav said.

He said the curfew order was issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the area.

"Relaxation in curfew restrictions would be given if we find improvement in the situation during the review," Jadhav added.

The situation in many Pimpri-Nigdi areas continued to be tense despite police bursting as many as 50 to 70 teargas shells on Wednesday night.

Over 50 private vehicles were stoned and set ablaze and shops and business establishment were also targeted. The mob also tried to set ablaze police and fire brigade vehicles.

Two policemen were injured in the stone throwing at Pimpri while two drivers were hurt in the violence at Swargate area of the city on Wednesday.

The police have rounded up some 30 persons in Pimpri area for rioting, sources said, adding that the situation was under control at present in Pimpri which was curfew-bound.