Mathura violence: Death toll up to 16. Arms recovered from 'encroachers'
In the wake of the violent clashes that ensued between illegal occupants of Jawahar Bagh in Mathura, and the policemen who attempted to evict them, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh for the Station House Officer, who was among those slain. He has also ordered a probe into the matter.
A total of 16 people have been confirmed dead. However, unconfirmed reports peg the toll to be as high as 21.
The cult-like group of nearly 2,000 protesters, who claim to be the "true followers of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose", became violent after they were asked to evict the land they were allegedly encroaching upon, following the directions of the Allahabad High Court.
ADG (Law and Order) Daljeet Singh Chaudhary told the media that the protesters opened fire on the police and also lobbed grenades on the cops.
"Country-made guns, rifles, pistols & cartridges recovered from spot, search op underway. It was an unlawful assembly and they had explosives including grenades and pistols which they used to fire upon the police. They fired at police which was absolutely unprovoked. Strict action will be taken," Chaudhary told ANI.
Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has asked the Director General of Police and the principal secretary home to reach Mathura to take stock of the situation.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh has also reportedly discussed the matter with UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, and offered his condolences to the family of the deceased.
Spoke to UP CM Akhilesh Yadav and reviewed situation in #Mathura.Have also assured him of all possible help from Centre: HM Rajnath Singh
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 3, 2016
A huge cache of arms and ammunition has also been retrieved from the encroachers.
Huge cache of arms & ammunition recovered from encroachers after yesterday's anti-encroachment drive in #Mathura pic.twitter.com/0TNBiQn1Sm
— ANI (@ANI_news) June 3, 2016
According to reports, the area has been tense since Mathura administration gave the protesters a 48-hour ultimatum on 15 April. The deadline lapsed without any action being initiated.
--ANI
First published: 3 June 2016, 10:01 IST
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