Police firing claims one in Kandhmal

Bhubaneswar, Sep 24 (UNI) One person was killed and several were injured when tribal demonstrators clashed with the police in strife-torn Kandhmal district to free two accused arrested in connection with the recent communal riots.

Police said one person was killed when they fired last night at an unruly mob which stormed the Raikia police station to take back the arrested persons.

Hundreds of tribals, including women, armed with lethal weapons gheraoed the police station demanding release of the duo.

Police said the mob had made an abortive attempt to snatch the two from their custody. When prevented by the CRPF, they pelted the guards with stones.

As attempts to disperse them by firing in the air failed, the CRPF resorted to firing in which three tribals were seriously injured. One of them later succumbed to injury on way to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital.

Two others critically injured had been admitted to the hospital.

Immediately after the incident senior police officials along with reinforcement rushed to the troubled spot to contain further violence.

The agitated tribals had blocked the road by felling trees, police added.

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