Situation peaceful in riot-hit Dhule

Peace returned to riot-hit Dhule town with government offices, commercial and educational institutions beginning to function as usual after district administration relaxed curfew for a longer period.

Peace returned to riot-hit Dhule town with government offices, commercial and educational institutions beginning to function as usual after district administration relaxed curfew for a longer period on Tuesday.

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Curfew was relaxed in this North Maharashtra town from 0800 hours to 1900 hours following no fresh incidents of violence, police told PTI.

The riots, which broke out in Dhule on October 5, has claimed 10 lives and injured more than 170 persons including some policemen, they said.

So far, 400 persons have been arrested in connection with the violence which began after a banner of the Hindu Rakshak Samiti was found torn in the Ram Mandir Chowk leading to arson and clashes in many areas, police added.

Also, 'panchnamas' with regard to property losses estimated to around Rs 20-crore are being prepared by the revenue department officials, Dhule Collector Prajakta Lavan gare said, adding the process of providing compensation will also be initiated soon.

Distribution of financial aid to riot-affected victims is also in progress, she said, adding a rehabilitation scheme is being drafted by the PWD for repair of damaged houses in the violence.