27 held for violence at Sarnath

Varanasi, June 7 (UNI) As many as 27 persons have been arrested for yesterday's violence around the Buddhist pilgrimage of Sarnath here against the encroachment drive of Varanasi Development Authority (VDA).

At least six policemen and several VDA employees were hurt in the violence near Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monument 'Chaukhandi Stoopa.' Raids were conducted at Sarnath late last night and as many as 27 persons involved in the violence arrested, police said today.

The protestors agitating against the removal of encroachments near the ASI protected monument had also damaged four vehicles, including the official vehicle of VDA's Trans Varuna Zonal Officer Ramesh Singh and a water canon.

At least six people including four women were also injured, when police used force to clear the mob of violent protestors.

Two PAC platoons had been posted in the area to deal with any eventuality.

UNI