Surat, Sept 19 : Tension prevailed in Surat on Wednesday when an irate mob set buses on fire to protest the murder of a member of the local cow protection body.

Akhil Bharatiya Gauraksha Samiti (ABGS) Vice President Jaswant Darbar was killed by unknown assailants late on Monday night.

Angry mob damaged public property and set several houses in Kosadi village of Mangrol taluka on fire. Police had to use tear gas shells to disperse the mob.

Three of the five companies sent to the city for maintaining security during the Ganesha Festival were rushed to the spot.

Security was tightened across Surat. Forces were deputed on the approach road of Mangrool and Kasodi village. Senior police and administrative officials are camping in the area, while curfew has been clamped in the town.

"The situation is under control," said Dilip Rawal, District Magistrate, Surat.

After the killing, several shops were set on fire by Darbar's supporters. They also pelted stones at the police, blaming them for the killing.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat Gauraksha Samiti has called for a shutdown on Thursday to protest against the killing. (With inputs from ANI)