3 killed in police firing as army recruitment rally turns violent
Three youths were killed and more than twelve others, inculding policemen, injured when police opened fire to quell unruly youths gathered for recruitment at the Army Recruitment Centre, Bharatpur in Rajasthan today.
Inspector General of Police (law and order) Hari Narain Meena,
said police resorted to firing when the rampaging youths did not disperse even after a lathi-charge was ordered and tear gas shells were burst.
The state administration has rushed Rajasthan Armed
Constabulary to the troubled spot.
Reports from Bharatpur said the situation went out of control when recruitment officers announced that youths belonging to Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu districts would be allowed to take the test first and the others would be given the opportunity later.
Some youths belonging to Bharatpur and adjoining districts opposed the move leading to a clash between them and the army recruitment staff.
The army authorities then summoned the district police which ordered lathi-charge
and burst tear gas shells. However, as the mob turned violent firing was opened, resulting in the death of three youths and injuries to eight others.
Some armymen, the Bharatpur district magistrate and the
superintendent of police also received injuries as the angry mob pelted stones.
As the news of the deaths spread, violence spilled over to other parts of the town. Rampaging youths torched a state transport bus and damaged property of the Rajasthan Armed Constablary.
Mounted police resorted to lathi-charge at several places in the town.
According to information received at the police headquarters
here, the district administration has imposed Section 144 in
Bharatpur and ordered closure of all educational institutions. The
Army Recruitment Centre has suspended the recruitment process.
Two of the youths killed in the firing belong to Kumher town and another to Bayana
in Bharatpur district.
Tell us what you think of this report
|