New Delhi:
Angered over
two people on a two-wheeler getting injured after police forcibly
stopped them, a mob set a police booth, a DTC bus and many other
vehicles on fire Sunday evening, police said. Police had to fire
in air to control the situation, which is still tense.
The incident took place around 7 p.m. in east Delhi's Mayur Vihar
Phase III.
People at the spot alleged one person was killed in the police
firing and at least two injured, but police refused to confirm any
casualties, except to one of the persons on the vehicle.
Police said that the two-wheeler was stopped at the check point as
both riders were not wearing helmets. They were also allegedly
drunk.
"They were drunk and fled when a traffic policeman tried to stop
them. In their attempt to flee, their bike slipped and they fell
on road. They also indulged in an argument with policemen," said a
police officer.
However, a witness said that when the vehicle did not stop at the
check point, a traffic officer threw a stick at them, which hit
them and made them fall on the road.
One of them received minor injuries and was taken to Lal Bahadur
Shastri hospital.
"In the meantime, a mob collected at the spot and started pelting
stones at the police team. They also set a DTC (Delhi Transport
Corporation) bus, a mini truck, a car, three bikes and the police
booth on fire," said the officer.
Police said that they had to fire shots in the air and use tear
gas to restrain the mob.
Following the incident, around 20 companies (1,600 men) of Delhi
Armed Police have been deployed in and around the Mayur Vihar
area, across the Yamuna, while thousands of people are still out
protesting on different places.
To avoid further tension, roads to the area have been blocked by
police and pickets set up every 500 metres. Ambulances and fire
tenders have been stationed for any emergency situation.
Police said that the situation was under control after 10.30 p.m.,
but miscreants in Khoda colony, falling in adjoining Uttar
Pradesh, were still pelting stones at police sporadically
|