Seven cops suspended, SHO sent to lines for poll violence

Varanasi, Nov 1 (UNI) As many as seven police personnel including a sub-inspector and two gunners of former Uttar Pradesh Minister Ajay Rai have been suspended while a Station House Officer (SHO) sent to lines on charges of dereliction of duty during poll related clashes between ruling SP and BJP workers here yesterday.

Senior Police Superintendent Ashutosh Pandey said here this evening that four escorts and two gunners provided to BJP MLA from Kolasala Ajay Rai, besides sub-inspector in-charge of Chetganj police outpost Ranjit Rai, have been suspended, while SHO (Chetganj) Prem Narayan Yadav sent to lines for dereliction of duty during violent clashes between SP and BJP workers in Chetganj area yesterday.

The SSP further informed that cases under 18 sections of CPC have been registered against Ajay Rai, his brother Suresh Rai and 15 others, while case of rioting has been lodged against SP leader Dinesh Pal. The entire matter was being investigated by Police Superintendent (Rural) L K Singh.

At least two persons were wounded, when rival groups led by Ajay Rai and Dinesh Pal yesterday indulged in bombing and firing in the Chetganj locality, a stone throw from the Police Superintendent (City) Office and City Police Control Room.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Ajay Rai staged a dharna at the district headquarters this evening demanding immediate arrest of Dinesh Pal and his supporters for yesterday's violence.

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