28 held, 4000 charged with rioting in Essar refinery arson case

Jamnagar, Sep 1 (UNI) At least 28 persons have been arrested and another 4000 charged with rioting by the Khambalia police in connection with the incidents of violence on Wednesday near the Essar refinery complex.

Scores of labourers of the Dewariya village, had indulged in rioting and set on fire three vehicles, including a police jeep, after one of their colleagues was hit by a speeding car on Wednesday morning.

They also ransacked the company's security office and looted guns and cartridges. They later attacked police personnel, who had rushed to quell the violence.

Police had opened 15 rounds of fire and lobbed teargas shells to bring the situation under control.

Police Subinspector HP Doshi said the damage to property and assest could amount to Rs 8.5 lakh. The accused have been charged under sections 143, 148, 149. 332, 397, 435 of the IPC, section four of the Damage to Public Property Act 1984, and Section 135 (1) of the Bombay Police Act.

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