07 October,2010 06:49 AM IST | | Sayed Roshan
Navratri celebrations were marred last night when three drunk men came to blows with the masses present at the site.
The untoward incident occurred at 10.30 pm at Majethiwadi near N L School in Malad. The men approached a family that was dancing and started misbehaving.
When the residents tried to stop them, the drunk men got angry and assaulted five people, including a shakha pramukh Ashish Patil.
Hussain Rangwala, a witness, said, "Around 10.30 pm, we were enjoying and dancing when suddenly three drunk men came and started dancing with one of the families present at the celebrations.
u00a0
People complain to cops at Malad police station after 3 drunk men marred celebrations. Amit Patil, one of the victims was beaten with belts
We told them not to go closer to the family but they refused and started abusing us. When we tried to stop them, they assaulted us."
An hour later, Patil and his other supporters from Shiv Sena approached the attackers and a fight ensued.
Kunal Mahanto, one of the victims of the attack, said, "Ashish Patil and a few others approached the drunk men to settle the issue but the situation became volatile. We were beaten with sticks and belts."
At 1 am, 150 people gathered outside Malad police station, alleging that the police did not provide them with timely help.
The injured were taken to Bhagwati Hospital for treatment.
Refuting rumours, Sub-Inspector Vinod Patil said, "We reached the spot as soon as we were informed of the matter."
He added that police cover had been increased in the area. At 3 am, 150 Shiv Sainiks were still protesting outside Malad police station.
