Kanpur police firing toll reaches 2

Kanpur, Apr 2 (UNI) The toll in yesterday's police firing in Armapur area here in Uttar Pradesh today reached two, following the death of a wounded man.

Communal tension had gripped the industrial city of Kanpur, following violence over playing of lourspeakers on Barawafat.

One person died yesterday, when police resorted to firing to control a violent mob. Several others were also injured, of which another succumbed today.

Police in strength has been deployed in the area to deal with any eventuality.

Meanwhile, district magistrate Anurag Srivastava has announced Rs one lakh ex-gratia to the kin of Shamshad, who died yesterday.

The injured included several district and police officials in Kanpur, where police resorted to firing on a violent mob, which had attacked Armapur police station.

Trouble started on Saturday night when police objected to the use of loudspeakers in view of the election code of conduct in force.

Two boys were taken in custody and released on bail yesterday morning.

However, a large mob led by ruling party legislator from Kalyanpur Satish Kumar Nigam gathered at the police station, protesting the arrest and demanding the suspension of the SO.

The mob soon turned violent indulging in arson, brickbatting and even firing at the police. Later, the police resorted to firing.

Nigam was later arrested and a magisterial inquiry ordered in the incident. Armapur Station Officer (SO) was also suspended.

UNI