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Rudrapur toll 4, probe ordered
Sporadic violence occurred in Rudrapur a day after communal clashes claimed the lives of two persons.
Sporadic violence occurred in Rudrapur a day after communal clashes claimed the lives of two persons.
On Monday, two more persons succumbed to their injuries, taking the toll to four. Chief minister BC Khanduri ordered a high-level probe into the clashes that broke out after a man found a torn religious book outside his house in Bhadiapura area of Rudrapur, 280 km from Dehradun.
Over 60 vehicles had been damaged and 50 people injured in the violence. A mob had also thrashed sub divisional magistrate VS Budiyal and policemen, after which the police had to open fire on the crowd.
The indefinite curfew imposed in the area on Sunday is still in place. "We will review situation tomorrow to decide whether to partially lift the curfew," said GS Martolia, senior superintendent of police, Udham Singh Nagar.
On Monday afternoon, Khanduri visited the town to take stock of the situation and announced a relief of R1 lakh for each of the families that lost a member.
Announcing the probe before the media, Khanduri said the report should be submitted to the government within a week. "We will take action against administrative officials as well if their involvement is established,” he said.
“Anti-social elements will not be allowed to disturb the communal harmony in the state,” he added.
In Paharganj, meanwhile, a crowd threw stones at police parties on Monday afternoon. A police team led by circle officer Devendra Pincha arrested eight men and seized a vehicle. All the rioters are from Bahedi in Bareilly.
