Land dispute leaves 15 dead in Sitapur

Sitapur, UP, Nov 17 (UNI) At least 15 people were killed in a gun battle between two families over a piece of land in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh this morning.

Three people, who received bullet wounds, were reported to be critical. The deceased included four children and six women.

Police said the clash took place between two Brahmin families following a land dispute at Sharpur Jhunsi village under Thangaon police station.

Meanwhile, official sources said state director-general of police (DGP) Bua Singh has been summoned by Governor T V Rajeswar to brief him about the law and order situation in the state.

The DGP is expected to meet the Governor at Raj Bhawan this evening.

The incident occurred at 0700 hrs when a group attacked the members of one of the families and opened fire, killing 10 people.

In retaliatory action, five members of the other family were killed.

The dispute dates back to 1988 and relates to a path on a piece of land on which the families of Pramod Vajpayee and Srinivas Tiwari had staked claim. A person was killed following the dispute in 1988.

Four days ago, a clash had broke out between the two families.

But the local police failed to impound their licenced firearms despite fears that weapons could be used to settle scores at a later stage.

Early today, Vajpayee's men attacked Srinivas' residence killing 10 people. In retaliation, Srinivas and his relatives attacked the Vajpayee household. Since no men were present, they killed five people, including women and children.

Senior police officials have rushed to the spot.

The situation in the area is tense but under control, police added.

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