Mid-day

Mumbai, Mar 18: The police resorted to lathicharge at Koparkhairane in Navi Mumbai today, as fresh incidents of violence were reported in various parts of the satellite town of Mumbai, in retaliation to yesterday's group clashes over the alleged molestation of a girl on the Holi festival day.

Eight persons have been arrested in connection with the violence in Navi Mumbai, which remained tense throughout the day with shops and establishments remaining closed in the wake of the bandh call given by the agitators.

Sporadic incidents of road blockage were also reported at Koparkhairane, Turbhe and Juhu village, where the police intervened and restored normal traffic, sources said.

However, at Koparkhairane, Ghansoli residents and porters workers came face-to-face once again this evening, exchanging missiles and causing damage to public property, the police said

There was no report of injury to anybody in the lathicharge as well as stone pelting, the police said, adding that the situation was now under control.

Meanwhile, the state government today announced compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to the families of three persons who died in yesterday's violence and police firing.

Top police officials are camping at Koparkhairane, while the State Reserve Police Force and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) contingents have been kept on a stand-by, police sources added.