Thursday, July 6 2006 10:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bhiwandi (Maharashtra): "Curfew in the powerloom town of Bhiwandi in Thane district would continue today as the situation remained tense after arson and death of two persons in police firing following violent protest against construction of a police station next to a mosque," police said.

Security has been stepped up in the area with deployment of the Rapid Action Force, police said adding that though offences have been registered, no arrest has been made.

Curfew, which was clamped yesterday, would continue for the day, police control room sources said adding that the situation was tense but under control.

Senior police officials, including the Police Commissioner D Shivanandan are monitoring the situation.

At least 25 persons, mostly policemen, were injured in stone pelting by a violent crowd yesterday, police said.

"Those killed in the firing have been identified as Ramjan Khan and Abdul Malik, both residents of the town," police said.

Residents of this minority-community dominated town have been opposed to construction of a police station adjacent to the Quarter Gate mosque in the heart of the town claiming that the plot was a burial ground for the community.

Bhiwandi residents had previously taken out a march on the issue, but the matter precipitated yesterday when nearly a thousand-strong crowd gathered to demolish the ongoing construction, sources said.