3 killed, indefinite curfew imposed in Vadodara

Vadodara, May 1 (UNI) Three people were killed, two of them in police firing, and over 40 injured as members of one community clashed with the police and Municipal authorities over demolition of a century-old dargah in the walled city today, forcing the administration to impose indefinite curfew in six police station areas.

Rapid Action Force (RAF) was requisitioned this evening as sporadic incidents of violence spread to different parts of the walled city.

While two people succumbed to bullet injuries, one died of stab wounds as the rampaging mob attacked the police and the officials of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), which undertook demolition of a few religious places, including the dargah at Fatehpura, which had been encroaching the road near the historic Champaner Gate.

The police fired around 30-40 rounds when lathi-charge and bursting of teargas shells failed to contain the surcharged mob which clashed with the civic personnel and the police to vent their ire over the demolition of the dargah.

Sixteen people were hospitalised with bullet injuries, with several of them in the age-group of 18-30 being critical, according to Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad Civil Hospital Medical Superintendent S D Saxena. Among the injured were six policemen, including Sub Inspector D D Damor and two photographers and a TV cameraman.

The six police station areas brought under the indefinite curfew were City, Panigate, Wadi, Navapura, Raopura and Karelibaug The police claimed that the situation was under control though sporadic case of violence continued in several parts of the city.

Scores of vehicles, roadside kiosks and carts were burnt by the mob.

Meanwhile, Mayor Sunil Solanki justified the demolition of some of the places of worship which were in the middle of the road. He said the drive was taken up after discussions with the members of religious community.

UNI SS-VKC KD YA BST 2012