Dec 12 2014 : The Times of India (Delhi)
Sectarian clashes singe Bhopal, 75 critically injured
Bhopal
TIMES NEWS NETWORK TNN
Sectarian violence erupted in Bhopal with over 60 houses of a minority community torched by a mob on Thursday .
Aman Colony in Karond resembled a war-torn site with thick smoke billowing from gutted houses, women screaming and injured being rushed to hospital. At least 75 people, including women and children, suffered critical injuries. The area was cordoned off by police and RAF, and prohibitory orders have been imposed. Over 12 fire tenders have been rushed to douse fires and 12 ambulances were pressed into service.
Victims said thousands of attackers, wielding firearms, petrol bombs, sharpedged weapons and stones attacked the colony from all sides. For close to two hours, the marauders wreaked havoc and police were nowhere to be seen. Despite simmering tension the previous night, only a few cops had been deployed.
Over 35 two-wheelers and household goods were set ablaze. Victims claimed that the attack had been planned at the behest of a local politician for over a fortnight. By the time police finally arrived, the mob had wreaked mayhem. Cops lobbed teargas shells, fired in the air and lathicharged the attackers to bring the situation under control. Residents of Aman Colony have been shifted to their relatives' homes at Irani Dera near Bhopal station. Police asked residents of neighbouring localities to remain indoors. Officials said the immediate trigger was a scuffle on Wednesday night over a trivial issue.
2 dead in clash near Mirzapur temple
Firing during a clash between rival groups of `pandas' (priests) over a minor dispute claimed two lives and left a priest seriously injured near the highly sensitive Vindhyachal Temple in Mirzapur district on Thursday. According to reports, the argument was over some pilgrims parking their private vehicle on the premises of a parking zone the priest was running in his residential premises. As the argument heated up, the priest opened indiscriminate fire from his licensed gun, killing two in the process.
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