By IANS,
New Delhi : Angered over two people on a two-wheeler getting injured after police forcibly stopped them, a mob set a police booth, a DTC bus and many other vehicles on fire Sunday evening, police said. Police had to fire in air to control the situation, which is still tense.
The incident took place around 7 p.m. in east Delhi’s Mayur Vihar Phase III.
People at the spot alleged one person was killed in the police firing and at least two injured, but police refused to confirm any casualties, except to one of the persons on the vehicle.
Police said that the two-wheeler was stopped at the check point as both riders were not wearing helmets. They were also allegedly drunk.
“They were drunk and fled when a traffic policeman tried to stop them. In their attempt to flee, their bike slipped and they fell on road. They also indulged in an argument with policemen,” said a police officer.
However, a witness said that when the vehicle did not stop at the check point, a traffic officer threw a stick at them, which hit them and made them fall on the road.
One of them received minor injuries and was taken to Lal Bahadur Shastri hospital.
“In the meantime, a mob collected at the spot and started pelting stones at the police team. They also set a DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) bus, a mini truck, a car, three bikes and the police booth on fire,” said the officer.
Police said that they had to fire shots in the air and use tear gas to restrain the mob.
Following the incident, around 20 companies (1,600 men) of Delhi Armed Police have been deployed in and around the Mayur Vihar area, across the Yamuna, while thousands of people are still out protesting on different places.
To avoid further tension, roads to the area have been blocked by police and pickets set up every 500 metres. Ambulances and fire tenders have been stationed for any emergency situation.
Police said that the situation was under control after 10.30 p.m., but miscreants in Khoda colony, falling in adjoining Uttar Pradesh, were still pelting stones at police sporadically.