Police open fire on angry mob; 2 killed, 6 injured

Two persons were killed on Monday and six others injured allegedly in police firing at a village in Chhattisgarh's Gariyaband district after a clash broke out between villagers and policemen who had gone there to probe a case.

The Chhattisgarh government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident that took place in Sinapali village of Gariyaband district.

"The police were forced to fire in self-defence after they were attacked by a large crowd of villagers in Sinapali village under Deobhog police station limits this afternoon. Two men died in the firing incident while six others injured," Inspector General of Police (Raipur Range) GP Singh said.

According to Singh, a six-member police team, led by Deobhog Station House Officer, Chinto Ram Thakur, had gone to Sinapali village following a complaint by a woman that she and her family members were harassed by the villagers who called her 'tonhi' (witch).

When the police team reached the spot and started the investigation, few villagers tried to storm into the house of the complainant to attack her not bothering the police presence, he said.

When the police personnel intervened to stop them, the angry mob tried to snatch their rifles, after which the SHO fired in air to disperse the mob, he added.

"Even after that the situation was running out of control, which prompted the SHO to fire at the mob in self defence," the IG said.

Soon after being informed about the incident, additional forces were deployed to the spot and the situation was brought under control.

The injured were rushed to Gariyaband district hospital from where they were taken to Raipur, Singh said.

"Following the incident, Chief Minister Raman Singh ordered a magisterial inquiry into the case," a state's Public Relation Officer said.

The Chief Minister has announced financial assistance of Rs one lakh each for the kin of the deceased and Rs 25,000 for the injured, he said.

According to the officer, the CM has also asked to shift the Station House Officer of Deobhog, Chinto Ram Thakur, who opened fire on the mob, from his posting.