Curfew in MP town after communal clash

Raisen (MP), Dec 29: A curfew was clamped on Sunday in Gairatganj town near here after members of two communities clashed with each other, pelted stone and torched more than half a dozen shops, forcing the police to lob teargas shells.

District authorities initially imposed prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 (curbing movement of people) but when situation didn't improve, a curfew was clamped in the town, about 100km from here.

"Collector J K Jain imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC in Gairatganj. After the things didn't improve, he clamped a curfew in the town," Deepak Verma, District Superintendent of Police, told PTI.

The trouble started when reports of a cow slaughter spread in the area. Activists of right-wing organisations soon took to the streets demanding stern action against those responsible for alleged cow slaughter, which is banned in Madhya Pradesh.

Following the protest, police swung into action and arrested three persons, he said. A group of people later pelted stones in the area from where the slaughter was reported.

They torched around five shops, some roadside eateries and clashed with members of the other community, the SP said. Police resorted to lathi-charge and lobbed teargas shells to bring the situation under control.

There were no reports of any casualties. Meanwhile, additional police force has been deployed in the town.

PTI