AICC demands independent inquiry into Vadodara firing

New Delhi, May 1 (UNI) The Congress today demanded an independent inquiry into the police firing and deaths in Vadodara in Gujarat, saying the past history of the BJP-led state government on such issues was ''neither encouraging nor inspiring.'' "We believe the truth can be brought out only by an impartial inquiry," AICC spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told mediapersons, while alleging that the track record of the newly-appointed Director General of Police P C Pandey raised a question mark about impartiality and efficiency of police forces.

Three people were killed and 30 others injured as sporadic incidents of violence today rocked the walled city area after a mob clashed with a Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) squad and police teams, while they were carrying out demolition of a 'dargah' in Fatehpura area.

Dr Singh said the state government should take all communities together to ensure that peace and harmony prevail.

He expressed shock at the killing of an Indian engineer in Afghanistan, and said it was a "dastardly and cowardly act." Referring to the killing of at least 22 Hindus by militants in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir last night, Dr Singh said "our heart goes out to the victims and their families." UNI SH AK PC1833