Youth killed, 7 injured in fresh violence in Saharanpur

Shahira Naim

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, May 23

A Dalit youth from Chandrapur village under Badgaon police station succumbed to his injuries and seven others were wounded, one of them seriously, as violence erupted again in Saharanpur on Tuesday.

Violence broke out in Chandrapur and neighbouring villages when Dalits were returning after attending BSP supremo Mayawati’s meeting in Shabbirpur.

While details of the extent of damage and spread of violence are officially not available, Saharanpur Additional SP (Rural) Vidya Sagar Mishra, who is present at the spot, denied that there is any death and only confirmed injuries to three persons.

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However, sources close to Bhim Sena claim that Arvind (32), son of Meghraj, died in the violence while the condition of another injured is critical.

Of the seven injured in the fresh violence on Dalits, two have been referred to Chandigarh for treatment.

Read also: Mayawati says BJP responsible if something happens to her

The worst-affected was Chandrapur village neighbouring Shabbirpur, though reports of violence are also coming from other adjoining villages.

Thakurs reportedly attacked Dalits with swords and even opened fire.

What started as stone-pelting soon turned into arson as Dalits came under attack that reportedly left one dead and seven injured.

Meerut ADG Anand Kumar has rushed to Shabbirpur. Muzzafarnagar SSP Babloo Kumar is also on his way to the strife-torn district. Saharanpur SSP Subhash Chandra Dubey and District Magistrate along with other officials are already on the spot.

The fresh round of violence hit Saharanpur despite the district administration’s claim of being on high alert after Mayawati warned that the BJP government will be held responsible if any untoward incident happens during her visit.