One killed, 10 injured as police, villagers clash

Berhampore (WB), Aug 28 (PTI) One person was killed andat least 10 others, including six policemen, were injured whena mob blocked National Highway 34 in Farakka of Murshidabaddistrict and clashed with police today demanding restorationof electricity line in Jhikra village. The person who died has been identified as Jamal Sheikh(32) of Balida Pukur village bordering Jhikra. He was passingby the area where people blocked the highway which linked thesouthern and northern parts of the state, Superintendent ofPolice Mukesh said. Amid reports that the man died in firing by police,officials claimed that police did not fire. The SP said thecause of death could be ascertained only after post-mortem. There was no electricity in Jhikra for the last few daysand the agitated people started demonstration on NH-34 ataround 9.30 AM. Policemen came to lift the blockade and a clash ensuedafter talks failed. They resorted to lathi charge andvillagers pelted stones, the officials said. Six policemen were injured in stone throwing and at leastfour villagers sustained injuries in lathi charge. All of themwere admitted to hospital, they said. The blockade, which continued for around four hours, haveput the traffic out of gear. Senior civil and police officershave reached the spot and the situation is under control,officials said. PTI COR NNNSD