Demonstrations to protest killings, more 'bones' found

Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Dec 31: Widespread demonstrations took place in the city to protest 'police inaction' in the killing of several children in Nithari village here, even as skeletal remains of two more women were today recovered by the police in its ongoing 'digging and search' operations in Sector 31 here.

Later in the day local residents, which included some relatives of the victims, broke open the seal of the 'khooni ghar' (bloodied house), as they now call the house where the serial killer and his accomplice were arrested, and damaged property.

They also stoned the house and broke flower pots, window panes and whatever came their way, according to eyewitnesses.

They entered the house after breaking police barricade, set up to prevent people from 'harming' the house which had been the centre of people's ire for the last two days.

Police had to resort to mild lathicharge to disperse the violent crowd.

Following the incident heavy police bandobust was deployed around the 'killer house', besides the already stationed Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC).

Demonstrations were also reported at the local NMC Hospital in Noida, which had earlier come under the police scanner for its involvement in the sale of kidneys.

Dozens of people stoned the hospital and tried to barge in but were prevented at the gate by the guards.

On the other hand, Bahujan Samaj Party supremeo and former UP Chief Minister Mayawati visited Nithari village to empathise with the victims' families.

She later demanded that the state government be dismissed in the wake of the killing of so many children and a CBI enquiry be ordered into the incident.

Deploring the prevailing lawlessness in the state, the BSP leader said criminal proceedings should be initiated against all guilty policemen and the guilty brought to book immediately.

Youth Congress workers sat on a 'dharna' at village Nithari demanding dismissal of the Mulayam Singh government and a CBI probe into the matter. They also carried placards denouncing sale of 'human organs'.

Area MP from Khurja Ashok Pradhan and Dadri MLA, both from the BJP, along with several supporters demonstrated before the District Magistrate's office demanding CBI probe into the matter and action against the guilty.

Meanwhile, police continued with the interrogation of the accused Surendra and his employer and businessman Mohinder, even as situation in the area remains tense but under control.

UNI