5 policemen among eight injured in clash; 6 cops sent to lines

A fight between an SHO and his junior colleagues took an ugly turn after locals, supporting the official clashed with the police and indulged in arson in which at least eight persons including five cops were injured in Phagi town here today.
The trouble began when Kaliram, SHO of Phagi police station, got involved into a scuffle with his subordinates in the wee hours today, Superintendent of Police (rural) Sanjay Shrotriya told PTI.
Kaliram, who is under transfer to Dausa, was purportedly in an inebriated state at the time of scuffle. He was allegedly beaten up by his juniors.
Later, scores of people purportedly belonging to the SHO's caste, came to the police station, led by a former village head of Phagi and started protesting.

Clash erupted when police tried to disperse the crowd by bursting teargas shells and resorting to cane-charge. Eight persons, including five cops, were injured, the SP said.
Three sub-inspectors, one constable and a driver were sent for medical examinations, he said.

In the arson, two motorcycles were set on fire, several government vehicles' panes were smashed near the Phagi police station.
Later, the SHO was removed and three sub-inspectors-- Umesh Beniwal, Ratan Singh, Ramkishan, along with three constables were sent to police lines, the SP said.
"It was initially an internal quarrel among cops, but later the villagers intervened causing a law and order problem," he said.

Following the incident, the locals sat on 'dharna' outside the police station, demanding arrest of the cops who indulged in the scuffle.
"Police force has been deployed around Phagi police station as a precautionary measure," the SP who is camping in the troubled area said.
Three FIRs, one by villagers, and two by police at Phagi thana, were registered, he said, adding, Additional SP Hqrs will probe the case.