Many injured as mob takes to the streets late Sunday night

Guwahati, Aug 26: At least 50 people, including the superintendent of police and seven policemen, have been injured in police firing after a mob went on a rampage at Rongpur area in Assam's Cachar district on late Sunday night.

The district administration has asked the Army to remain alert and has imposed prohibitory order in the district, official sources said.

The incident occurred when a group of people went on a rampage burning vehicles and pelting stones on Sunday night after reports of some objectionable items being found at three places of worship in Rongpur area of the district spread. The mob obstructed the traffic and tried to set some vehicles ablaze.

The police first resorted to lathi-charge and used teargas to disperse the mob but the violence continued forcing the police to open fire. In the ensuing melee, around 50 people, including the Superintendent of Police Diganta Bora and seven other policemen, were injured.

The injured were admitted to the Silchar Medical College Hospital and their condition was said to be stable. Senior police and civil officials are monitoring the situation and a strict vigil is being maintained though the situation remains tense.

PTI