Gujjar agitation claims 15 more lives : toll 31

Jaipur/New Delhi, May 24 (UNI) The agony of a bloodbath continued to haunt Rajasthan today as 15 people were killed and three others injured when police opened fire to disperse mob of Gujjar protesters at Sikandara in Dausa district while incidents of violence and arson were reported from a number of places protesting yesterday's police firing in Bayana.

Principal Secretary (Home) said police opened fire at Sikandara in Dausa when other routine means, including use of tear gas and rubber pellets, proved to be ineffective in controlling the mob, which was staging a 'rasta roko', suddenly turned violent and resorted to stone pelting, arson and firing.

Director General of Police AS Gill said the mob burnt Roadway booking cabins, some stalls and tyres on the roadside on this busy Jaipur-Agra Highway and later set afire the Sikandara Police station.

The mob attacked the police, shot at a CRPF sub inspector and beat up three four other cops.

The CRPF, RAF and RAC personnel intially tried to control the situation by using tear gas and rubber pellets but it did not work and then they opened fire which left 15 persons dead and several injured, the Home Secretary said.

Today's incidents took the toll to 31 in the agitation since yesterday.

The police firing took place in three to four phases, police sources and eye witnesses said.

Ten of the injured were brought to SMS Hospital here.

Over 25 injured, who sustained injuries in Gujjar agitation at diferent places, were being treated here.

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