Opposition in the Maharashtra legislature on Monday stalled proceedings demanding an immediate statement from the government on police firing on protesting farmers in Pune district, in which three persons were killed, resulting in adjournment of both the Houses.

In the assembly, the issue was raised through a point of information by BJP legislators Sanjay Bhegade and Girish Mahajan about police firing on farmers on the Pune-Mumbai expressway.

Minister of state for home Satej Patil told the House that a statement would be made during the day. However, opposition members wanted the House to be adjourned till that time.

All opposition legislators trooped into the Well of the House shouting slogans against the government for firing on farmers agitating peacefully. deputy speaker Vasant Purke adjourned the House for five minutes.

When the House re-assembled, home minister R R Patil said farmers were demanding that water from Pavana dam in Maval taluka be utilised only for agriculture and not for drinking purposes.

"Protesters turned violent and started pelting stones and torched police vehicles. Police had to resort to firing to control the mob. There is no information on the loss of lives," he said.

Even as opposition demanded an urgent detailed statement, Patil said the job of the police was to bring the situation under control at the earliest rather than giving him a detailed account of the happenings.

He criticised the opposition of holding the House to ransom.