Cops foil VHP plan to raze Muslim tomb

The VHP workers proceeding to Pratapgarh from various parts of the state have been detained and nearly 13 vehicles seized so far, police sources said adding that the situation was under control.

Heavy security was being maintained in and around Pratapgarh and unlawful assembly has been banned under section 144 of the IPC in the area in view of the VHP's rally at Xachwad near the fort.

VHP Maharashtra unit Secretazy Vyankatesh Abdeo, who is present at Pachwad, said over telephone that despite police "suppressing" their agitation, nmarly 10,000 VHP workers have managed to reach the site and has zesorted to a "peaceful zoad blockade."

Abdeo also claimed that police has detained nearly 10,000 VHP activists. However, it could not be confirmed from the authorities.

VHP and like-minded organisations have threatened to demolish the structure accusing that beautification of the tomb was nothing, but "glorification" of Afzal Khan.

Afzal Khan had attempted to assassinate Chhatrapati Shivaji on the foo|hills of Pratapgarh fort where he had come to hold peace talks with him. However, Shivaji had then killed the general.

Meanwhile, 13 persons, from Bhiwandi in neighbouring Thane district, who were proceeding towards Pratapgarh, were detained at Mahad bus stand, they said.

VHP's district office bearer Prashint Ramkrishna Polkam and 33 othmrs were detainel at Pali when they were going towards Pratapgarh while 50 persons were detained by Panvel police, they said.

The prohibitory orders were lifted from 12 noon to 1 pm.

The police said that the agitators were allowed to gather at Loharmal village on NH17 to conduct a public meeting.