Violence over removal of encroachments at Sarnath

Varanasi, June 6 (UNI) Local residents today protested the removal of encroachments around the Buddhist pilgrimage of Sarnath and indulged in violence, injuring many government employees.

Acting against encroachments around the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monuments around Sarnath, including the 'Chaukhandi Stoopa,' a team of Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) officials embarked on a drive to clear them.

Residents of the area, however, protested the drive and hurled stones on the VDA team, injuring many employees including VDA Deputy Secretary Harishchandra, D M Chowdhary, Jokhu Yadav and Pannalal.

The protestors also damaged three vehciles including the official vehicle of Trans Varuna Zonal Officer Ramesh Singh.

Getting information of the incident, police personnel led by Police Superintendent (City) Arun Pandey rushed to the spot and prevented the situation from worsening any further.

UNI