M A I N   N E W S

Curfew in Hardwar, 1 dies in police firing
P.S. Chauhan

Hardwar, April 21
Following violent clashes between the mela police and locals, curfew was clamped today in the Police Kotwali area here.

Clashes between the business community and the mela police started last evening following report of the alleged molestation of the wife of a businessman in the Bhupatwala area by police personnel said to be drunk.

Total bandh was observed in the city today. Mobs set three vehicles, including a bus, on fire. The situation went out of control when anti-social elements also joined the protesting businessmen and attacked the police station. The police resorted to lathicharge and later opened fire, killing one person. More than 20 persons were injured in the police action. Three of the injured are stated to be in serious condition. At least 10 journalists also sustained injuries and their vehicles and cameras were damaged.

The Chief Minister told The Tribune that the Mela Officer, Mr Utpal Kumar Singh, and the Mela DIG, Mr P.K. Joshi, had been asked to relinquish their charge.

Probe ordered

The Uttaranchal High Court has appointed Justice Earshad Hussain to inquire into the incidents of violence in Hardwar. Announcing this, State Chief Minister Narayan Dutt Tiwari said the one-man inquiry commission would submit its report in 30 days. Udhamsingh Nagar Additional Sessions Judge Prem Krishan has been appointed member secretary of the commission.