Violence leads to tension in MP capital

Bhopal, Oct 13 (UNI) Tension prevailed in the old city's areas after supporters of two principal Muslim spiritual leaders indulged in violence including rioting and damage to property following an alleged dispute between the shahar qazi and naib qazi.

A town inspector was attacked during last night's disturbances in Talaiyya and Jahangirabad Police Station limits. More than half-a-dozen vehicles were damaged and an ATM machine's glass smashed leading to closure of markets. A case of rioting and attempt to murder was registered against more than half-a-dozen people.

The district administration and police were making attempts to mend fences between the two sides, in the leaders' presence, but were yet to attain success. Police are alert as Eid is to be celebrated tomorrow and Navratri celebrations are in progress. A heavy police force was stationed in the old city.

''Attempts are being made to tackle the matter through dialogue.

Shahar Qazi Abdul Lateef's relatives lodged a complaint against Naib Qazi Amirullah at Talaiyya Police Station. The dispute began last evening at a Hilal Committee meeting at Moti Masjid in the presence of both leaders,'' Superintendent of Police A K Singh said today.

After the meeting, the naib qazi allegedly misbehaved with the shahar qazi's son-in-law leading to a dispute between the leaders.

News spread in the old city that the shahar qazi was subjected to misbehaviour at the meeting. Mr Lateef's supporters took to the streets while on the other hand the naib qazi's supporters raised slogans alleging that he was subjected to misbehaviour.

An unidentified person used a stabbing weapon to target T T Nagar Police Station Saleem Khan who sustained a head injury and was admitted to a private hospital.

UNI