At least 13 killed in Gujjar agitation in Raj; Army alerted

Jaipur/New Delhi, May 23 (UNI) More trouble was in store for the Vasundhara Raje government after the serial blasts in Jaipur when at least thirteen people were killed and several others injured in police firing and violence in Rajasthan's Bharatpur district today during an agitation staged by Gujjars seeking ST status for the community.

However, the Gujjar Reservation Action Committee Convener Col Kirodi Singh Bainsla, who is spearheading the agitation, put the toll at 14.

Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria said the police was having in possession bodies of the four Gujjar activists and one policeman. One body was recovered from Patoli taking the toll to 6.

Besides, Col Bainsla had informed him that seven bodies were in his (Bainsla) possession, the Home Minister added.

Later, an Official Spokesman confirmed 13 deaths. The figure was likely to go up, he added.

Meanwhile, Army has been alerted in view of the situation and prohibitory orders under section 144 Cr PC have been promulgated in six districts.

The state government later tonight decided to set up judicial inquiry into today's incidents.

Gujjars were still sitting on dharna at the spot in Pillukapura.

The Railway Authorities have diverted the rail traffic on alternative route.

The Rajasthan Cabinet also reviewed the situation at an emergency meeting here.

Eds: Pick up suitably from earlier series.

UNI Team PK CS2251