Police firing kills one in Kandhamal

Bhubaneswar, Sep 24 (UNI) In fresh violence in the strife-torn Kandhamal district of Orissa, one person was killed and several others were wounded as tribal demonstrators clashed with the police to force release of two accused arrested in connection with the recent communal riots.

Police said one person died when they fired last night at an unruly mob, who 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 two villagers.

The mob made an abortive attempt to take the two from the police custody and when the CRPF on duty prevented them from doing so, they pelted stones on the guards.

When attempt to disperse the mob by firing in the air failed, the CRPF resorted to firing, in which three tribals were seriously wounded. One of them later succumbed on way to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital.

Two other injured had been admitted to hospital.

Senior police officials along with reinforcement later rushed to the spot to contain further violence. The agitated tribals have meanwhile, blocked the road by felling trees, police added.

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