AMID rising communal tension across Mumbai and Maharashtra, state Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil on Monday warned of strict action against those trying to provoke two communities to gain political benefits. Police stations have been asked to carry out maximum patrolling in sensitive areas, as sources in the home ministry said some people with vested interests might try to divide people on communal lines ahead of the BMC polls.

In the past few weeks there have been several incidents in the city and the state which could have led to communal unrest, but the swift actions taken by the state police have managed to subdue them. “Since the past few days, some people have been trying to create a rift between two communities through inflammatory speeches. I request all my Hindu and Muslim brothers to be aware of such people and not indulge in unwanted activities. The police are keeping close watch and doing their work. We will take strict action against those found on the wrong side of the law,” Patil said.