Aurangabad riot: Cops on video given clean chit

Mumbai: The preliminary verification of the alleged video, which raised questions over the police’s role in the Aurangabad riots last week, has concluded with the concerned security personnel being given a ‘clean chit’ by the police department. The verification of the video revealed that the personnel seen in it are attached with the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and that they had no local connect, which could have lead them to be partial towards the rioters.

IPS officer Milind Bharambe, who is currently holding charge of the Aurangabad police commissioner, said that they have already arrested local Shiv Sena corporator Rajendra Jhanjal, who was allegedly captured in the video shaking hands with the SRPF personnel. Jhanjal was questioned by the special investigation team (SIT) and arrested for rioting and arson. The SIT has been formed to investigate into 12 FIRs that have been registered by Aurangabad police in connection with the lawlessness that killed two persons and injured over 60 others. “The verification was done after questions were raised on the police role in handling the situation and acting in support of the rioting mob. The same was looked into and the handshake of Jhanjal with the SRPF was not to support them. The audio, which is weak in the video, stated that some family was stuck amidst the rioting. When the personnel moved ahead, the unruly mob targeted the cars. Other SRPF personnel, however, could be heard shouting at the mob and asking them not to smash parked cars,” said Mr Bharambe.

The verification does not require submission of a formal report, added officials. The police teams are now investigating the FIRs and have arrested at least 100 persons in the cases. The illegal assembly, which was prohibited for 48 hours has been eased and the suspended internet services have been restored,officials said.

Meanwhile, the additional director general of police, Bipin Behari reached Aurangabad and reviewed the situation. He spoke to media there and stated that the situation could have been dealt in a better way.  

The rioting started in Moti Karanja around 10 pm and later spread to Gandhi Nagar, Raza Bazaar, Shah Ganj and Sarafa Bazar areas, the police said. The rioters set ablaze at least 100 shops and 80 vehicles, including police vans. The police had to resort to teargas shells and plastic bullets to control the rioting and arson, in which several personnel too were injured.