Akola: Tension prevailed in Hiwarkhed in Akola district after workers and elected representatives of BJP and Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde allegedly clashed during a general body meeting of the Hiwarkhed civic body on Thursday. The confrontation, which began inside the meeting hall, later spilled outside the premises, with members of both groups allegedly engaging in a physical altercation.The dispute reportedly erupted over the issue of attaching a note to the agenda items placed before the general body meeting. A heated argument between members of the two groups soon escalated, with BJP and Shinde Sena workers allegedly confronting each other inside the hall and later outside the civic body premises.Two representatives of Shinde Sena group, civic body group leader Ravi Ghungad and councillor Rishikesh Panchbudhe, were reportedly injured in the incident. Ghungad alleged that he was assaulted by people allegedly brought in by the family of BJP municipal president Sulabha Dhutonde.A video of the incident, which took place on Thursday, has surfaced. The footage purportedly shows members of the two groups involved in a heated confrontation and physical scuffle.Complaints have reportedly been submitted by both sides in connection with the incident, and police are investigating the allegations and circumstances surrounding the clash. The exact nature of the allegations and the sections invoked, if any, could not be confirmed at the time of publication.Following the confrontation, police deployed a heavy security contingent in Hiwarkhed as a precautionary measure. The situation in the town remained tense but under control, with police maintaining a watch to prevent any further escalation.When contacted for details regarding the complaints and the ongoing investigation, Hiwarkhed police station in charge and the ACP concerned did not respond to phone calls.The incident has brought the political differences between BJP and Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the civic body into focus.
