Probe into smuggler's death

Mandsaur, MP, May 24 (UNI) A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the ''encounter death'' of smuggler Saleem Lala in this district's Akodra.

Collector Nitesh Vyas issued the order yesterday and Sub-Divisional Officer H S Meena would submit a report within a month.

''Lala, a resident of Akhepur in Rajasthan's Chittorgarh district, was neutralised on May 18. His gang was also involved in the encounter,'' Mr Vyas said quoting a report by Superintendent of Police R K Chaudhry.

A bullet fired by the smuggler injured Sub-Inspector Ajay Mishra and he was rushed to Indore. The gang fired as it fled and a woman sustained shrapnel injuries to her leg.

Alleging that the encounter was fake, Muslim community members staged a demonstration here yesterday and demanded a judicial probe.

They submitted a memorandum, addressed to President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, to the collector.

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