Curfew in Vadodara protesting dargah demolition

Vadodara, May 1: Curfew was today clamped on the walled city area following clashes between local residents and police after the Vadodara Muncipal Corporation (VMC) demolished a 'dargah' in Fatehpura area.

At least 20 people including a photographer, a TV channel cameraman and six policemen, were injured in the clashes.

Reports said two persons died in the incident but ACP M G Damor refused to confirm the casualties.

The protestors were opposing the VMC's move to demolish the 100-year-old 'dargah' in Fatehpura police station area, that was encroaching the road near the historic Champaner Gate. The protestors indulged in stone pelting when the VMC squad and police parties came to execute the demolition.

Police opened six rounds of fire and lobbed more than 100 teargas shells to quell the violence, said Police Commissioner Deepak Swaroop.

Though the 'dargah' was razed by the VMC officials, another 'dargah' in the area could not be removed as tension gripped the city.

UNI