Three held for attacking officials

Pondicherry, June 26 : Police arrested three persons, including two French citizens, in connection with the attack on an Excise Flying Squad at Kalapet, near here, last night.

According to top police sources, Bhaskar and Rajkumar Stephen(both French citizens) and Manikandan were arrested for attacking Excise, Revenue and Police officals who questioned them for violation of the State Election Commission order to close liquor shops by 1700 hrs, yesterday, in view of the second phase of civic polls here tomorrow.

The accused, running a bar at Kalapet, also locked up the officals following which the Rapid Action Force (RAF) was summoned.

The trio also used dogs on the RAF. However, the officials were released and hospitalised.

The sources said the case is being referred to the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for cancellation of visas of Bhaskar and Rajkumar Stephen as authorities cannot initiate direct action on the French citizens.

UNI