Tension in UP capital after youth dies in police hot persuit

Lucknow, Oct 25 (UNI) Tension prevailed in the Wazirganj area of the Uttar Pradesh capital following the death of a youth, who jumped into river Gomti in an attempt to escape from police.

Police claimed it raided an area to catch gamblers. Five youth, who were playing cards, tried to escape from the raiding party by jumping into Gomti. While four of them escaped, one of them, identified as Sunil Kumar, drowned.

Locals later fished out his body and demonstrated on the road, demanding compensation. They alleged the youth were enjoying snacks when cops threatened to arrest them if they refused to cough up money.

While the district administration assured them compensation of Rs 20,000, the residents resorted to stone pelting, damaging a police vehicle.

Meanwhile, an FIR has been lodged against ''erring police officials.'' A test identification parade of cops deployed in the area yielded no results as residents failed to identify anyone.

The other youth who managed swim ashore are reported to be ''untraceable.'' UNI NAB/MB MSJ HT2137