6 cops hurt in mob clash over recovery of calf head near Surat

A mob today resorted to arson and stone pelting after a severed head of a calf was found in Godadara area on the city outskirts, prompting police to baton charge the agitators and fire teargas shells to bring the situation under control.
At least six policemen were injured when the mob hurled stones at them, officials said, adding the police fired total 69 teargas shells to disperse agitators.
According to Police Commissioner Satish Sharma, a large number of people came out on streets after the calf's head was found along road and demanded they should be allowed to carry it in a procession till Collector's office.

"The mob snatched it from police and carried it in procession till Maharana Pratap Chowk in the area where more people gathered and clashed with police by hurling stones at them," he told reporters.
In the clash, six police personnel including a police sub-inspector were injured, with one of them sustaining head injury.
People also damaged two meat shops and set part of a shop on fire.

They prevented police from taking away the remains of the calf for forensic examination.
"To control the situation, police fired 69 teargas shells and baton charged the mob. The situation was brought under control and two companies of State Reserve Police (SRP) have been deployed in the disturbed area," the top cop said.

Sharma said no evidence of cow slaughter was found so far though investigation is on.
Police have rounded up 41 people in this connection while an FIR has been registered in Limbayat police station against 45 others under sections 307 (attempt to murder), 332 (causing hurt to deter public servant to executing duty), 435 (mischief by fire and explosive), and other sections for rioting.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home Pradipsinh Jadeja appealed to the people to ignore rumours and ensure peace is restored.
"I appeal to public not to pay attention to rumours and also not indulge in activities that could affect peace in the area. People came out on the road because of the news and rumours, so police had to fire teargas shells to disperse the crowd. Action will be taken against miscreants," he said.