Mumbai: State Dairy Development Minister Anees Ahmed today proposed a special package for the riot victims of Dhule in north Maharashtra.

Ahmed, who visited the relief camps, told PTI that after reaching Mumbai he will apprise Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh about the plight of people sheltered in the camps and would request him to provide cash and medical benefits to them and to rebuild houses that were damaged. The Dairy Minister said all the basic facilities have been provided by the Maharashtra government to riot-affected people.

Meanwhile, tight vigil is being maintained in the city with extra police force including CRPF, SRPF and RAF being deployed in sensitive areas to prevent further flare-up in these places in the wake of the riots that broke out here on Sunday, claiming nine lives and injuring more than 170 persons.

Communal riots erupted after a banner of Hindu Rakshak Samiti was found torn in Ram Mandir Chowk, leading to clashes and incidents of arson in many areas here, police said.

Also, more than 250 persons have been arrested in connection with the riots, they said adding Special IG S P Gupta, DSP Sunil Kolhe and Collector Prajakta Lavangare are keeping a close watch on the situation.

Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Kumar Gavit and NCP leader Arun Gujarathi were among those who visited the camp.

Source : PTI