Three killed in police firing in Bihar

Three people were killed and four others seriously injured Monday when police opened fire to control a mob in a village in Bihar's Bagha district, police said.

About 25 police officials including a deputy superintendent of police were also injured in the clash at the district's Katharwa village.

Additional Director General of Police (headquarters) S.K. Bhardwaj told media persons here that three people were killed in police firing. "Police were forced to open fire in defence when the mob of villagers pelted stones and attacked police," he said.

According to district police officials, the trouble started after a police team visited the village to inquire into a murder case. Some villagers objected and asked police to frame the charge sheet in the case as per their demand.

When the police officials refused to do so, villagers surrounded police and attacked them. "In view of threat to their life, police opened fire," a police official said.

All the injured have been admitted to hospital, while top police officials were rushed from neighbouring districts and additional police personnel deployed in the village.

The situation in the village was tense but under control, Bhardwaj said.