15 injured in Gujarat clash

Vadodara, May 27 (UNI) Fifteen people, including three police personnel, were injured when members of a community clashed with the police after midnight on the issue of displaying posters of Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, on Friday near a place of worship here.

Police said at around 0200 hrs, a mob attacked a police in Gajradi area with soda bottles and stones. Soon, stone throwing incidents were reported from few other localities as well.

Three policemen, including ACP Pande, police Inspector Rajwanshi and a constable, were among those injured in the incident.

The constable has received serious injuries and admitted to a hospital here.

Since the situation went out of control, police had to fire twelve rounds in the air and use 42 teargas shells and baton charge to quell the mob.

Police Commissioner P C Thakore has sent blackcat commando force to the major trouble spots to help the local police control the situation.

Police said mischief mongers had deliberately prepared the posters in an attempt to instigate people. Police have so far arrested five people in this connection.

UNI