Curfew imposed in MP town after clash; 7 injured, 33 held

Curfew was on Friday night imposed in this town in Madhya Pradesh after a clash between members of two communities which left seven persons injured, three of them with gunshot wounds, and saw a number of shops and vehicles being torched, the police said on Saturday.

The police lathi-charged the rioters and lobbed teargas shells before being forced to fire in the air as the situation got out of control, Additional Superintendent of Police Mukesh Vaishya said. So far, 33 persons have been arrested for the violence which left seven persons injured. Three of those suffered bullet injuries but it was not clear whether they were wounded in firing by the clashing mob or in police firing, he added.

The clash took place after two youths from separate communities got into a heated argument over a seat on a Raisen-bound bus. After the bus reached the town, which is situated about 50km away from state capital Bhopal, the two youths called their respective supporters and the matter then soon got out of control.

The mob engaged in stone-pelting and arson. Four shops and as many vehicles were set on fire while several other shops and parked vehicles were also damaged, the ASP said.

The district administration imposed an indefinite curfew in the town last night as a precautionary measure, Vaishya said, adding that those who suffered bullet injuries have been referred to Bhopal for treatment.

The situation in the town is tense but under control, the ASP added.