09 April,2009 01:17 PM IST | | PTI
In an attempt to avert communal riots in the state, Maharashtra government has issued a circular ordering the police to seize controversial video and audio CDs that provoke communal tension.
The government will hold police station in-charge accountable if any communal riots takes place after the provocative video and audio CDs, containing messages/songs that spread communal disharmony and incite anger among the people, are played.
The in-charge of law and order at the place where riots are reported will also be held accountable, states the circular, which was circulated to all police stations in the state.
"The decision was taken to ensure harmony across the state. The circular has been issued to all police stations," Minister of State for Home Naseem Khan said.
"Under CrPC Section 95 and Cinematography Act 1952, the police can take appropriate action and seize controversial CDs," Khan said adding, "If the officer ignores it, he/she will be held accountable."
"Going by the magnitude of the incident, necessary action will be taken against the police officer," he said adding, "according to state intelligence reports, such CDs incited anger among the people and led to riots earlier also."
The decision comes a week after communal riots in Pusad town of Yavatmal district of Vidarbha region. Rioters had indulged in arson during a procession taken out by Hindus on the occasion of Ram Navami.
Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has announced a magisterial inquiry into the riots.
Several video/audio CDs are being circulated across the state by the anti-social elements and fundamentalists to instigate the two communities against each other, the circular said.
There are some CDs with title 'Mandir Vahi Banayenge' (We will build the temple there only) which contains Hindi songs emphasising that Ram Mandir would be built at the place where Babri Masjid was, it said.
The CDs contain some visuals which show Masjid demolition and protest footages, the circular states.
A video/audio CD titled 'Babar Teri Masjid Me Hum Phirse Azaan Denge' (Babar, we will offer namaaz once again in the mosque you built) is also being circulated which contains visuals like Babri Masjid is rebuilt and Namaaz is offered in Ayodhya, the circular added.
