Youth killed in police firing in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria

DEORIA - A teenager was killed and two others were injured Monday in police firing as a protest after the murder of a Hindu holy man in this Uttar Pradesh district turned violent.

Agitated over the murder of the sadhu, residents of the Rampur Karkhana area indulged in violence, targeting vehicles, damaging public property and fighting pitched battles with police.

“A local was killed in the police firing while two others were injured,” Superintendent of Police M.D. Karndhar told IANS.

According to police, the teenager killed in the firing has been identified as Manoj Kumar, aged around 17 years.

“Five police personnel were also injured in the attacks by the protesters. All the injured, including the two locals, are being treated at a hospital,” he added.

According to police, the 60-year-old sadhu was murdered late Sunday by unidentified men inside his hut.

Even as police were yet to establish the motive behind the murder, the locals alleged he was killed at the behest of some local leaders of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) over a land dispute.

“We are carrying out investigations in this regard. As of now, we are not able to link anyone with the sadhu’s death. Investigations are on in this regard,” said Karndhar.

According to police, security has been strengthened in the area following the violent protests.

“Additional security has come up in the area. Situation is now well under control,” said Karndhar.