By Team Clarion

AKOLA – Tension gripped Baizpur area of Maharashtra’s Akola city on Friday after Bajrang Dal workers raided a local shop, claiming beef was being sold there. The situation quickly escalated when local Muslim residents confronted the group, accusing them of taking the law into their own hands.

According to witnesses, Bajrang Dal members “stormed” into the shop without any official authority, accusing the shopkeeper of selling beef. Residents objected to their behaviour, leading to heated arguments. “They started shouting slogans and abusing the shop owner,” said Mohammed Salim, a resident of Baizpur. “When we tried to stop them, they began provoking people. It looked planned.”

Soon, both sides began shouting slogans, and reports suggest that stones were thrown. Police, however, have denied that any major violence took place. “There was no physical clash,” said Police Inspector Rajesh Patil of Akola City Police Station. “A small crowd gathered, and some slogans were shouted. The situation was quickly brought under control.”

The matter reached the city police station as some individuals were detained for questioning. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bajrang Dal, and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) supporters gathered at the police station, chanting slogans demanding the release of their members.

In response, Muslim youth also assembled nearby and raised slogans calling for justice and peace. Local Congress MLA Sajid Khan Pathan rushed to the station and met police officials. “This is not the first time such an incident has happened in Akola,” he said. “Some groups are trying to divide people on religious lines. The police must take strict action against those who are spreading hatred.”

BJP leaders, however, defended the Bajrang Dal members. One of its leaders told reporters that the Hindutva members had acted “in the interest of protecting cows.”

By evening, police reinforcements were deployed around key areas, including the City Kotwali Police Station and Baizpur locality. “We have increased patrolling and stationed officers in sensitive zones,” said a senior police officer. “The situation is under control.”

This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.