Violent protest in Ratnagiri after cattle carcass found, 2 arrested
Mumbai, Jan 28: A mob went on a rampage alleging cow slaughter in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district on Saturday after cattle carcasses were found in a village, following which two persons have been arrested on charge of rioting.
Protesters tried to block the Mumbai-Goa highway on January 26 after body parts of cattle were allegedly found near Lavel Phata in Lote industrial township in the district, with villagers claiming that a cow had been slaughtered.
When the police tried to disperse the mob, they were pelted with stones, a police official said. The mob also attacked police officials with sticks and torched a police vehicle, he added.
A case was registered against over 300 persons -- some of whom have been identified for attempt to murder, rioting and under other relevant IPC sections for the violence.
The carcasses found in the area were sent to a Forensic Science Laboratory, he said, adding they were awaiting the report.
Cow slaughter and consumption or sale of beef is banned in the state.
The protest on Saturday came just hours after some villagers intercepted a vehicle allegedly carrying cattle for slaughter at nearby Dhamandevi village, the police official said.
The villagers alleged that the men accompanying the cattle brandished pistols to threaten them before driving off.
The vehicle was found abandoned nearby later with a cow and a bull inside but the persons travelling in it had fled, the official said.
Two persons were arrested in connection with the protest on the Mumbai-Goa highway, said Pravin Mundhe, Superintendent of Police, Ratnagiri.
The police were ascertaining the identity of other members of the mob with the help CCTV footage, he said.
"We are also investigating the other offence where unidentified persons were allegedly smuggling cattle for slaughter and threatened villagers," Mundhe added.
Inspector General of Police Naval Bajaj and Mundhe visited the area Monday and the situation was now under control, another police official said.
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Punjab CM Mann lays foundation stone of Rs 14.63 crore sports stadium in Sangrur
Sangrur (PTI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 14.63 crore modern sports stadium here, underscoring that expanding access to quality playgrounds alongside a strong education system is key to steering the youth towards "purpose, performance, and global achievement".
The stadium coming up on 4.38 acres in Satouj will offer professional training and host a wide range of sports including badminton, handball, judo, netball, basketball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, kabaddi and karate, according to an official release.
"It is a historic day for the region as this stadium is coming up at a cost of Rs 14.63 crore. This stadium will be constructed over an area of 4.38 acres, and the complex will host various sporting activities," Mann said.
"The stadium will have a 200-metre athletic track, pavilion for spectators and players and a multipurpose indoor sports hall," he said.
While highlighting the wide range of facilities being created, Mann said professional training opportunities will be provided to children and youngsters in the stadium, adding that this project will ensure that the area emerges as a sports hub.
Emphasising the importance of balanced development, he said, "When there is a good school for education and a proper ground for sports, a child can bring glory to their village, state, and country on the global stage."
Reaffirming the Punjab government's focus on youth development, Mann said, "It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the Punjab government is successfully providing world-class facilities for education and sports."
This project will help in further breaking the backbone of drugs by fostering sporting culture in the state, and it will help in channelising the unbounded energy of youth of state in a positive manner, he said.
Such stadiums will play an important role in helping the youth stay away from the curse of drugs and in order to encourage the youngsters to realise their dreams of winning medals in national and international sporting events, the CM said.
Later, Mann launched an ultra-modern community health centre here that aims to benefit the residents of 85 villages. It is equipped with round-the-clock emergency services, surgical facilities, treatment for serious illnesses and specialist care for children, he said.
Mann alleged that previous governments neglected regions like Dirba and kept development restricted. He said his government is reversing this by investing public money back into villages through hospitals, schools, libraries and roads.
"To impart quality health services to people, we have dedicated the CHC at village Kauhrian... This ambitious project has been completed at a cost of Rs 13.23 crore and the centre has a capacity of 30 beds," he said.
He further noted, "The CHC will also have paediatric specialists for treating children's diseases, and free treatment along with all necessary tests for mothers and children will be provided."
Mann added that dental treatment will also be provided by a specialist at the facility.
