Two groups clash in AP; police open fire in air

Nizamabad, Andhra Pradesh, Oct 4 (UNI) Police fired in the air after a bandh, called by the BJP against the alleged attack by a section of people during a religious procession on the eve of the Dusserah festival last night, turned violent at Bodhan town today.

Police said the two groups threw stones at each other when the BJP allegedly forced shops to close. Police resorted to lathi charge and opened fire in the air to disperse the mob. No one was injured, police added.

Police used the lathi when the agitators tried to gherao MLA Sudharshan Reddy, who came to the spot. The MLA's car was damaged.

A section of people set ablaze two shops in the town.

Speaking to reporters here, District Superintendent of Police Mahesh Chandra Laddah said 'the situation was tense but under control. If necessary, additional forces would be deployed in the town to maintain law and order'.

Police arrested BJP activists who participated in a rail roko at the railway station.

UNI AP AA SY BD1903