The state home department has ordered a crime investigation department (CID) probe into the communal clashes at Dhule last Sunday, that left five dead and 200 injured in the subsequent police firing. The fight allegedly began over the payment of a bill at a restaurant in Azad Nagar. Nineteen police officers and 102 constables were injured in the violence.

The Nashik wing of the CID will look into the criminal conspiracy angle and the possible involvement of an organised group in the attack on the policemen.

“The CID will also check whether some leaders, known for making provocative speeches, had a role to play in it,” said a home department official.

The state government on Friday barred Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi from visiting Dhule and Nashik for a month. The local administration sent a notice to Azmi stating that his speeches were likely to create trouble.

Azmi said, “While the government allowed 14 Sena leaders to visit the town, I am being prevented.”