Meerut tense after SP leader killing

Meerut, 13 Sep (UNI) Tension gripped the Bahsuma area of Meerut district today in the aftermath of the shooting of a Samajwadi Party leader yesterday in on election-related violence.

A sub-inspector along with six constables were injured when an irate mob protesting the killing indulged in rioting and brickbatting. The police had to frequently resort to lathicharge to bring the situation under control.

According to police, around 2030 hrs yesterday Naresh Jatav, president of the Scheduled Caste cell and his wife, former president of the Nagar Panchayat Rajesh Kumari, were taking a walk when miscreants lying in wait sprayed bullets and immediately fled the scene. Mr Jatav was rushed to the hospital where he was declared brought dead.

Agitated members of the Jatav community descended on the streets and put up a blockade. Later, they started damaging shops in the vicinity. The police could bring the situation under control only after an hour and a half. A sub-inspector and six constables were wounded in the incident.

The reason for the murder is believed to be political rivalry as Mr Jatav was preparing to contest the Nagar Panchayat elections.

Mr Jatav had a criminal record and there were several cases pending against him. Security has been beefed up in the volatile area, police said.

UNI XC SU MQA MIR KP1400