A massive protest erupted in Bhopal near the CM's residence over a youth's murder. Demonstrators demanding justice blocked traffic. Protestors claim police used a lathicharge to disperse them, a charge the police have denied.
Scores of people gathered near the Chief Minister's residence in Bhopal on Wednesday and held a massive protest over the alleged murder of a youth in the capital city, demanding justice and strict action against the accused.
Protest Turns Tense Near CM Residence
The protestors gathered at Polytechnic Square in the city, which hindered the traffic movement in the area. The police tried to persuade the crowd to call off their protest, but the demonstrators continued with their demands.
As this happened, some protestors attempted to march towards the Chief Minister's residence, following which the police intervened and lathicharged to disperse the gathering.
Police Deny Lathicharge, Announce Arrests
However, the police denied the use of lathicharge, adding that they talked with the protestors and dispersed them from the protest site. "A group of local people gathered here at the Polytechnic Square in the city this morning, causing traffic disruptions. The police were present here from early morning to maintain peace, and finally, we convinced them and dispersed from the spot. We didn't use lathi charge, we pacified them and then dispersed them," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP, Zone 4), Mayur Khandelwal told ANI.
The officer further said that two accused in connection with the incident were arrested so far, and the remaining would be arrested soon. "The police have already arrested two accused, and the remaining one accused will also be nabbed very soon. The police were prepared for the protest that some locals would gather here to mark their demonstration, and adequate force was present at the spot," Khandelwal added.
'Police Are Beating Us': Protestors
Meanwhile, the protestors claimed that they were seeking justice peacefully, but the police were carrying out lathicharge. "We are protesting peacefully. The police are showing aggression and charging lathis against us. We are just demanding justice for our brother, but the police are beating us," the protestor said.
Notably, a youth was murdered in the Ashokagarden locality in the state capital Bhopal on Sunday late at night. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)