Traders, BJP activists attack police in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW - Over 2,000 traders and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists Monday carried out violent protests, attacked policemen and damaged the district magistrate’s vehicle in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district, demanding action against a government official.

Alleging harassment by Additional Municipal Commissioner Dinesh Chandra, traders and BJP workers hit the streets and carried out protests in front of the Collectorate Office.

Traders and BJP workers alleged that Chandra was unnecessarily targeting the business community in the district in the name of anti-encroachment drive.

According to a protester, a trader died Aug 11 after Chandra had a verbal duel with him and threatened him with dire consequences.

The police resorted to baton-charge after traders and activists continued with their protests.

The protesters alleged that at least 12 people were hospitalised after being injured in the police action. However, police said no one was injured in the incident.

“The force was used only after the protesters turned unruly and continued with the violent tactics,” District police chief Amit Chandra told reporters in Saharanpur, some 400 km from here.

In the wake of the series of violent protests, additional security has been deployed near the Collectorate and adjoining areas.

“We have initiated the exercise to identify all those who damaged public property and resorted to violence during the protest,” said the police chief.