Mathura violence: Probe ordered as death toll climbs to 21

Twenty-one people, including an SP and an SHO, have been killed in the massive clash between police and encroachers that broke out here yesterday even as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has ordered an inquiry.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who spoke to Yadav, expressed anguish over the loss of lives and assured all necessary help to the state government.

Nineteen people have been killed apart from SP City Mukul Dwivedi and SHO, Farah, Santosh Yadav, Pradeep Bhatnagar, Commissioner, Agra Division, told PTI today. A magisterial probe has also been ordered, he said.

The violence had erupted when police were trying to evict illegal occupants, believed to be of Azad Bharat Vidhik Vaicharik Kranti Satyagrahi, from Jawahar Bagh yesterday on the directions of the Allahabad High Court.

In Lucknow, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav ordered a probe by the divisional commissioner of Mathura, an official spokesperson said. DGP Javed Ahmed and Principal Secretary (Home) Debashish Panda have rushed here.

The Union Home Minister said he has reviewed the situation in Mathura.

"I have spoken to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and reviewed the situation in Mathura. I have assured him of all possible help from the Centre. "I am anguished over the loss of lives in the incident in Mathura. May God give strength to the bereaved families," Rajnath Singh said.

Police said some vehicles bearing Madhya Pradesh registration number have been found.

"The wrath of people against encroachers was such that when they were retreating, they were severely beaten by the public," an official said.