Police team attacked without any provocation, claims UP DGP

Asserting that situation is under control after violent clashes between police and protesters in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Javeed Ahmed on Friday claimed the police team that went to Jawahar Bagh to carry out a recee was attacked by goons without any provocation or warning.

Addressing a press conference, Ahmed said the police were planning to clamp down on goons in two-three days, but the goons attacked police officials resulting into violent clashes.

"We were planning to attack the encroachers in two-three days, and the team that went to the spot had gone for a recee and to observe the situation there for chalking out a final plan,Our aim was to get Jawahar Bagh vacated without causing much loss. Yesterday at 5p.m., a small team of policemen went to recee the area. At that time, without any cause, without any provocation and without any warning, people hiding in trees opened fire at our men," Ahmed said.

"Later, other people who were standing under trees also started pelting stones and charged baton at the policemen. Our two brave officers succumbed to their injuries," he added.

Ahmed added that the police successfully vacated Jawahar Bagh from the claws of goons and instigated an investigation.

"We challenged the goons and freed Jawahar Bagh from their clutches. After this, we have initiated an investigation into the attack," Ahmed said.

Meanwhile, the death toll in yesterday's Mathura clashes rose to 22. Those killed included Mathura Superintendent of Police (City) Mukul Dwivedi, Farah Police Station SHO Santosh Yadav and 20 protesters. More than 40 people have been injured in the incident.

The clashes between police and protesters broke out when the men in uniform launched a drive to clear encroachments in Jawahar Bagh area of the city.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has ordered an inquiry into the incident and also announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 20 lakh next of kin to the deceased policemen.

A manhunt has been launched to nab the culprits.