Tension over desecration of Ambedkar's statue

Bhopal, Oct 22 (UNI) Police had to use mild force and lobbed teargas shells to quell a violent mob, angered over desecration of father of Constitution Dr B R Ambedkar's statue by a dalit near a slum in Bagmugalia area of the state capital this morning.

''On receiving information about desecration of the statue by Bhola Prasad Ahirwar in drunken stupor, angry locals gathered outside his house,'' Superintendent of Police Anant Kumar Singh said.

However, the Additional Superintendent of Police and other senior police officials reached the spot and tried to calm them down.

Meanwhile, some people attempted to set Bhola's house on fire forcing police to resort to mild force and lobbing teargas shells to disperse the mob.

He said the situation was under control. Bhola and his family members were removed from the place amid police security.

Mr Singh said Bhola was an 'Ambedkarwadi' himself. Slum dwellers alleged that Bhola had tried to damage the statue earlier in drunken stupor.

Senior police officials were holding talks with a delegation of locals. No case had been registered so far.

UNI