Mob thrashes officials in Uttar Pradesh

A sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) and a station house officer (SHO) were thrashed by an angry mob Tuesday in Jaunpur, 250 km from here, police said.

The mob was enraged over delayed police action in arresting the accused who allegedly mowed down two local youth.

The rampaging crowd set on fire three vehicles, including police jeeps.

Mahesh Gupta and Pappu were mowed down by a speeding bus on the Mirzapur-Jaunpur road Monday night, after which an angry mob blocked the road near Ramdayalganj bazaar.

The protestors claimed that the bus belonged to a transport company owned by Tirupati Yadav, brother-in-law of Samajwadi Party (SP) legislator from Madihau, Shraddha Yadav, and hence the police was not acting against the accused.

When police baton-charged the angry mob to disperse them, the crowd targeted police and administrative officials. SDM Rajendra Kumar and SHO Ramakant Agnihotri were injured.

Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) R.K. Vishwakarma told IANS that reinforcements were called in to contain the violence.

"The injured officials are being treated at a medical facility. Those who damaged government property would be booked," Vishwakarma added.