Violence in Agra after accident; one killed in police firing

Agra/Lucknow, Aug 29 (UNI) Violence continued unabated in Agra following the death of four youths in a road mishap, even as police opened fire in several areas killing at least one person.

As many as 22 vehilcles were torched by a mob including 12 trucks and two fire tenders following violence. The rampaging mob also set afire a leather and a card board factory, principal secretary (Home) J N Chamber told reporters in the state capital.

He claimed that prima facie, the accident took place due the traffic mismanagement as trucks had entered the area which was closed for heavy traffic. ''An enquiry is on and the guilty would be punished,'' he added.

Meanwhile, several tourists are stranded in hotels near the Taj Mahal, as that area was also under the curfew. ''We have asked the tourists to remain in hotels...the process to safely send them back is on,'' Mr Chamber said. He also maintained that, as such, Taj Mahal was not in any danger from rampaging mobs.

One boy standing on a roof top was killed by a stary bullet as police fired in the air to disperse rioters. Two others were critically hurt in police lathi charge.

Besides torching 12 trucks, the mob had set afire ten other vehicles, including two fire engines. At least four firemen were seriously injured in the incident.

Besides Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Rajiv Rataula and five police officials, 50 other policemen were also injured in brick batting.

Additional police forces from neighbouring districts of Aligarh, Mathura, Mainpuri, Etah and Ferozabad were being rushed to Agra to control the situation. IG (Kanpur zone) S N Singh rushed to Agra to review the situation. Contingents of Rapid Action Force (RAP) were deployed in the troubled areas.

Meanwhile, the government announced a compensation of Rs one lakh to the next of those killed and Rs 25,000 to those seriously wounded in the violence.

Indefinite curfew was imposed in six police station areas in Agra city this morning following violence after four youths of a particular community were crushed to death about 0230 hrs by a truck in Subhash Park area. The youths were returning from a graveyard after observing Shab-e-baraat. Of the four deceased, two were on a motorcycle and the other two on a rickshaw.

Police had to clamp curfew in Mantola, Nai Ki Mandi, Tajganj, Loha Mandi, Rakabganj and some portions of the Sadar police station areas after the mob tried to attack shops of a particular community. Reports said the mob also attacked Nai Ki Mandi police station and tried to manhandle the policemen.

As a precautionary measure, the city administration ordered the closure of schools and colleges in the city.

Religious leaders have appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony.

UNI