Police hold mock riot control exercises

THE POLICE held mock riot control exercises in various parts of the City during the last two days. In one such exercise held at midnight, a constable at Bombay police chowki ‘informed’ CSP Jitendra Singh that ‘riots have erupted’ even as group of 50 to 60 persons have insisted on removing liquor shop from the area.

Responding immediately, the CSP dispatched riot control squad. Seeing the police, the mob that included members of Nagar Suraksha Samiti pelted stones at them. The police resorted to lathi charge and released tear gas to quell the agitated mob.

About seven persons sustained injuries while three pretended to be dead on the spot. The police made few arrests on the spot.

A similar call received from Mhow Naka this morning sent area residents in a tizzy. They breathed sigh of relief only after the rehearsal was over and citizens came to know of the reality.

According to information, Inspector General Shailendra Shrivastava has ordered to form eight squads in the City to meet any eventuality. The squads have been placed under CSP in a manner that about 50-60 policemen can reach the venue of disturbance in short duration.

The formation of riot control squads comes in wake of incidents that erupted at Mukeripura, Toda recently. Moreover, the exercise will serve as deterrent in case violence erupts as fall out of unrest expected at Bhojshala in Dhar on Vasant Panchami, which falls on February 3.