Violence breaks out in Pilibhit after Varun Gandhi's arrest

Pilibhit, Mar 28 (ANI): Over twenty activists of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) got injured when police resorted to baton charge on them as they were staging protest against the arrest of party leader Varun Gandhi.

Five policemen are also reported to be injured.

Tension prevailed in the town as thousands of Varun's supporters came to the district jail where Varun was taken.

The activists allegedly attacked officials, destroyed police vehicles and indulged in bouts of stone throwing.

As the situation failed to subside, police resorted to firing in which a number of people were injured.

Varun's mother and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi alleged that a Muslim police inspector injured 25 of Varun's supporters.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPM) has expressed grave concern over the violence.

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury said the whole issue was the BJP's strategy in a bid to consolidate its vote bank.

Earlier in the day, Varun Gandhi was sent to two-day judicial custody for his alleged anti-Muslim speech. (ANI)