Advocates turn violent over colleague's death in judicial custody

Allahabad, May 14 (UNI) Advocates today created ruckus at Allahabad High court premises following a colleague's death yesterday in judicial custody, who was put behind the bars for contempt of court.

The court ordered immediate evacuation after lawyers vandalised official property in protest. However, the agitation had badly affected the court's working.

Meanwhile, advocate S K Awasthi, who succumbed in a city hospital yesterday, was cremated early this morning.

A large number of law practitioners were present in the funeral.

In Lucknow also, advocates created ruckus outside the court premises and resorted to stone pelting, besides vandalising some private vehicles.

On April 28, Awasthi was put in Naini jail here for contempt of court, where he fell ill and was admitted to Swaroop Rani hospital.

His condition deteriorated yesterday and he breathed his last in the hospital.

As court's working was not closed in condolance, lawyers in rage protested.

They alleged that Awasthi was not keeping well and had he not been sent to jail he would have been alive.

Meanwhile, security had been beefed up at the court to avoid any fresh violence. However, situation was said to be undercontrol.

UNI PDM SP RN1613