Fresh violence in Saharanpur; DM, SSP suspended

Fresh violence was witnessed in Saharanpur in which three persons were injured today, prompting the government to suspend the District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).

The Divisional Commissioner and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) were transferred in the wake of the continuing violence in this district of Uttar Pradesh which has been hit by caste-based clashes.

Mobile internet and messaging services were also suspended in the district to prevent rumour mongering.

Late tonight, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said strong action is being taken against all those responsible for the violence and appealed for calm. 

He said people should not pay heed to inflammatory speeches and should help in maintaining peace and order.

Adityanath also met Governer Ram Naik late in the evening. They are understood to have discussed developments in



Saharanpur.

The caste violence has led to a political slugfest with BSP chief Mayawati putting the blame on the BJP government and a senior state minister accusing the opposition party of "shedding tears".

Earlier today, one Pradeep Chauhan was shot at in Janakpuri area by some motorcycle-borne men, Superintendent of Police Prabal Pratap Singh said.

Chauhan was rushed to the district hospital, from where he was referred to a speciality centre.

Members of the Thakur community protested against the incident outside the district hospital.

In another incident, some persons attacked two men while they were sleeping near a brick kiln in Mirzapur village, the police said.

One Nitin was shot at, while another person Yashpal was severely beaten up by the attackers, the police said.

They suffered serious injuries and have been admitted to the district hospital.