Protesters pelt security forces with stones in Agra on Wednesday. — PTI photo

Lucknow, August 29
Agra saw arson and violence for over six hours early this morning that left nine seriously another, 50 injured and property worth crores gutted.

Principal secretary, home, J.N. Chamber, addressed two press conferences in Lucknow in quick succession. He said trouble started when four youths, who were returning after the nightlong shabe-baraat prayers, were run over by a truck.

The principal secretary admitted that the truck had been allowed to enter the city despite traffic being restricted on city roads in view of the festival. He said action would be taken against officials concerned.

The police tracked down the truck along with the driver. But as soon as the news of their death spread, a large number of angry young men set the truck ablaze. After that it was a free-for-all as the mob took to the roads, setting ablaze whatever came their way. They set afire at least 17 trucks, six cars, three scooters and several shops.

A carton factory was gutted while a shoe factory was partially burnt down.

The situation came under control by afternoon after curfew was imposed on six police station areas, including the Taj complex. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident. Commissioner Agra Division Sita Ram Meena would conduct the inquiry and present the report to the government in two weeks’ time.

Indefinite curfew was clamped on the police station areas of Tajganj, Sadar, Rakabganj, Montola, Nai ki Mandi and Loha Mandi.

Additional forces were rushed in from the adjoining districts of Mathura, Firozabad, Etah, Mainpuri and Aligarh. Senior police officers, including DGP Vikram Singh and secretary, home, Mahesh Kumar, air-dashed to the city to review the law and order situation.

Senior officials, including IG Kanpur zone, DIG, DM and SSP, were seen keeping tabs on the curfew-bound city. Some of them were seen appealing to the public to remain calm.

The fifth victim, Anwar, was hit by a stray police bullet as he stood on his terrace watching the berserk mob and the police fired into the air to disperse the crowd.

The mob did not even spare fire engines that had been rushed to control the blazing flames. Four firemen were admitted to the Sarojini Nagar Medical College Hospital in a critical state.

According to the principal secretary, between 50 and 60 persons, including policemen and the additional DM, were injured as the mob pelted them with stones.

The state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 lakh each for the dead, Rs 25,000 for the grievously injured and Rs 10,000 for those who suffered minor injuries.

As the violence unfolded, around 600 foreign tourists were already reported to be in the city. Despite the curfew, the eastern gate of Taj Mahal remained opened for visitors.

“Foreign tourists who have to reach the railway station or airport would be escorted in government vehicles,” he said.