The town of Amethi and its adjoining area had been experiencing unscheduled and prolonged power cuts for almost a fortnight, sources said. On Monday night, a large number of people assembled in front of the Kotwali police station to register their protest while the local traders’ union leaders held talks with officials of the power department.
As the officials expressed their inability to improve power supply, the mob forced its way inside the kotwali and ghearoed them, police sources said. The protesters turned violent and indulged in stone throwing forcing the police to retaliate with lathi charge and tear gas shells. An FIR has been filed against 235 people while several people have been arrested.
State Congress leaders have sharply condemned the police action and demanded action against the guilty officials.
Published 14 July 2009, 16:55 IST