Police-villagers clash: UP govt orders magisterial probe

Agra/Lucknow, Mar 24 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh government ordered a magisterial inquiry into today's clash between police and villagers in Khairagarh town of the Taj City.

The state government also transferred Circle Officer Sunil Kumar and the Station officer in charge.

As a precautionary measure, area police officer A K Singh and Inspector D A Verma has also been transferred, while inspector Parshuram has been posted here from Lucknow.

At least 29 persons, including nagar panchayat president, have been arrested following the clash between police and villagers over alleged teasing with women during a religious procession in Kharegarh town.

The incident happened when some villagers thrashed nagar panchayat president Anil Garg's brother.

Mr Garg along with the villagers reached the police station, where he had a heated argument with the police inspector.

The argument turned violent and villagers resorted to stone pelting and vandalised police property, besides torching several police vehicles.

They also set ablaze the police station and attempted to set their residences on fire.

The police resorted to firing and used force to disperse the mob.

Many, including policemen, got injured in the incident.

Police in strength had been garrisoned to prevent fresh violence.

The situation, at present, was said to be under control.

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