One shot dead in police firing

Damoh (MP), Apr 9 (UNI) A man was shot dead and two persons were injured during police firing while villagers were protesting the arrest of an accused in this district's Sohela village last night, police said today.

Police had arrested Devi Prasad Raikwar in an abduction case last night. He was being taken away by police when several hundred villagers gathered and protested the arrest claiming that Devi had nothing to do in the matter.

The accused fled taking advantage of argument between police and villagers. Meanwhile, as the mob turned violent, police were forced to open fire.

Ghanshyam Raikwar (35) was injured during the incident. He was rushed to hospital where he was declared dead upon arrival.

Superintendent of Police Kamal Singh Rathore said police resorted to firing in self-defence.

Mr Singh denied that Ghanshyam died in police firing. He said as the matter involved police firing, action could be taken only after inquiry by the Sub-divisional Officer (SDO).

Tendukheda SDO Manoj Thakur is investigating the matter.

BJP MP Chandrabhan Singh described the incident as unfortunate and said he will discuss the matter with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

UNI XC-PS RL KP1650