81 instances of police firing in MP over 4 years

Bhopal, Nov 26 (UNI) Thirteen people died in 81 instances of police firing in Madhya Pradesh over the past four years, the government informed the Assembly today.

In a written reply to Dr Sajjan Singh Verma (Congress), Home Minister Himmat Kothari said, ''the incidents took place in 31 districts between December 2003 and June this year. Magisterial inquiry was ordered in a dozen cases and judicial inquiry in two.'' Replying to Mr Ramniwas Rawat (Cong), the Minister said that 17 people died in police custody between January 1, 2006 to October 31, 2007.

''One Ghanshyam Mandloi was picked up for questioning in Indore's Haripur Police Station limits last month and died later. The post mortem report confirmed assault, leading to suspension of the then station house officer D P Ahirwar, constables Shailendra Sisodia and Shailendra Singh,'' he added.

Replying to Mr Rajesh Patel (Cong), the Minister said that a criminal case was registered against Sunny Gaud, Rajneesh Gaud, K P Sharma, Ramesh Gupta, Ajay Singh Rana, Rawat and Shivshankar in connection with the September 22 firing in the vicinity of Rewa district's Jaypee Cement factory premises. No arrest was executed.

''Eye-witnesses' statements were contradictory,'' he added.

UNI