BJP workers lathicharged, ex-deputy mayor injured

Varanasi, Nov 3 (UNI) Former deputy mayor of Varanasi Ratan Singh sustained injuries when police lathicharged BJP workers who were blocking road here today to protest registration of criminal case against party MLA and former Uttar Pradesh minister Ajay Rai.

The police also detained and later set free over 50 BJP activists, including another former deputy mayor Sanjay Rai, from Kabirchaura, Sigra and Maidagin areas.

The BJP activists gathered at Kabirchaura crossing this morning and blocked the road, besides setting afire UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav in effigy.

Sensing the agitating BJP workers getting out of control, cops lathicharged the protestors, resulting in injuries to party leaders.

Enraged by the lathicharge, BJP workers led by Ajay Rai, local MLA Shyamdeo Roy Chaudhury staged a dharna before the Kotwali police station, demanding suspension of the 'guilty' cops.

The party is protesting the registeration of criminal cases against Ajay Rai, his brother Suresh Rai and other BJP workers in connection with October 31 civic poll violence in Chetganj locality of the city.

Two persons were wounded when ruling Samajwadi Party and BJP workers indulged in bombing and firing in Chetganj just a stone's throw from Police Superintendent (City) office during civic poll.

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