In the communal clash erupted after a schoolgirl was allegedly harassed by few men, three persons have been reportedly killed and 12 others have been injured on Friday, Police said.
According to the reports, incident took place around 7.30 am in Peda village, 4 km away from the district headquarters, with the groups of the two communities hurling stones at each other. Reports added that even firing took place between the two groups and three persons, between the age of 27 and 30 were killed in clash, while at least 12 have been injured. Five persons who were seriously injured were taken to the the Meerut for treatment. Reprts said that two of them are critical.
UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, reacting on the incident, sent Home secretary Mani Prasad Mishra and Additional Director General (Law and order) Daljeet Singh Choudhary to the spot and announced Rs. 20 lakh each to the next of victim’s kin. PAC’s seven companies as well as additional police forces have been deployed in the area.
ADG Choudhary, later in a press conference said, “The firing was unprovoked. It seems a one sided action. Seven persons have been arrested so far. We are questioning them and cases are being lodged against the accused. Stalking may not be the sole reason to have triggered the violence. We will probe the matter thoroughly and the accused will be booked under the National Security Act.”
Bijnor MP Umesh Shrivastava said that the trouble started with an eve-teasing incident in the morning. The SP explained,“Girls from Peda village have to pass through the neighbouring Naya Gaon to reach their schools. There are regular reports of harassment from girls of both villages. This one, however, took the shape of a communal flare-up and members of both communities began to pelt stones at each other. There was firing too from one side which resulted in three casualties.”
He further added,“We have suspended two policemen, including sub-inspector Anurag Chaudhary and constable Ravindra Kumar for negligence of duty. The government has also announced a monetary assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the injured.”
By Prajakt K.
