By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Patna: As Kanni Haji (63) succumbed to his injuries yesterday the toll rose to six in the police firing on Muslim fishing community following a clash between two groups in the Cheriyathura-Beemapally coastal area on the outskirts of the city of Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
In the police firing four Muslims were killed on the spot while 29 were injured, of them two died later in the hospital. One of the injured is in the intensive care unit.
The clashes erupted after a local mafia boss called Shibu demanded money from the owners of a small restaurant that belongs to Muslim fisherman community in the area. On refusing the demand, Shibu came with his supporters and started pelting stones not only on the restaurant but also on Muslim houses around. It is alleged that rather than nabbing the criminals, the police also opened fire on Muslims.
The police action angered people of the city. A hartal was called by a group of organizations to protest against the police action on the beach. Protesters blocked the road which halted the city for a while. Later with assistance of local community leaders the road blocks were removed.
Meanwhile, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission has issued notice to the Home Secretary and the District Collector seeking an explanation on the police firing at Cheriyathura which led to the death of six persons. The commission has sought explanation within 10 days.