Death of RPI activist sparks violence in Bhiwandi

RPI activists went on a rampage today after its Dalit member Vicky Dhepe, who was injured in an attack earlier this week, died today.
More than 30 vehicles, including two-wheelers, cars and police vans, were smashed by an irate mob consisting of activists of Republican Party of India (RPI), sources in the Police Control Room said.
The activists also vandalised two offices of Bhiwandi BJP MLA Mahesh Chougule, whose son Raju Chougule had been booked in an assault case. Banners put by Chougule were also pulled down, they said.
The trouble in the power-loom town, about 50 km from here, started when the news came in that Dhepe, who was seriously injured in the May 11 attack, succumbed to his injuries at the St George Hospital in Mumbai, the sources said.

Dhepe and a few others were assaulted by a group of youth armed with iron rods and choppers, police said, adding Chougule's son was allegedly involved in the attack.
The youth were suspected to be members of BJP.

Police had then filed a case under IPC sections related to attempt to murder (to be changed to murder now), criminal intimidation, breach of peace and also the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against nearly two dozen people, including the MLA's son.
The attack on Dhepe and the other RPI workers was fallout of political rivalry, according to police.
The RPI has given a call for Bhiwandi bandh tomorrow to protest the death of Dhepe.