Cow slaughter rumour sparks riots in Satara

Riots broke out on Sunday night here over rumours that some cattle had been brought for slaughter. Over 18 people, including policemen, suffered minor injuries in the stone-pelting and 13 have been arrested for the rioting.

Earlier, mobs set six vehicles afire, damaged two places of worship, a dozen houses and some shops. The district administration has issued orders prohibiting an assembly of five or more people. But Satara District SP Prashant Borude said the situation was under control.

Shops, offices and educational institutions were closed today in response to a bandh called by various organisations. Borude said some residents spotted a tempo ferrying animals from a two-room structure near the crematorium on Sunday evening. Police later rescued 35 animals from there and found a carcass. By this time, he said, some 150 residents alleged the animals were being slaughtered and began sloganeering.