Tension prevailed in a Punjab town near Jalandhar on Friday after a family of three committed suicide in the morning and police later opened fire at a mob, which alleged that the deceased were victims of police harassment. One person died in the firing.
Balwinder, who was killed in the firing, was part of the angry mob who surrounded a police station in Nurmahal town, around 40 km from Jalandhar. Four injured in the violence were rushed to hospitals in Jalandhar and Ludhiana.
Kala Singh, his wife and son jumped before a moving train in the morning and residents allege that Singh was being harassed after his brother Sandeep eloped with a girl 10 days ago.
Police had been forcing Singh and his family to give them details about Sandeep's whereabouts, though they repeatedly denied having any idea about where he was.
Police threatened to register a case against the family if they did not furnish any information about Sandeep by Friday, Nurmahal residents said.
Fearing further harassment, all three committed suicide before the deadline set by the police expired.
{{/usCountry}}Fearing further harassment, all three committed suicide before the deadline set by the police expired.
{{/usCountry}}Police and administrative officials have rushed to Nurmahal to defuse the tensions.