One killed, 10 injured as police, villagers clash

One person was killed and at least 10 others, including six policemen, were injured when a mob blocked National Highway 34 in Farakka of Murshidabad district and clashed with police today demanding restoration of electricity line in Jhikra village.
The person who died has been identified as Jamal Sheikh (32) of Balida Pukur village bordering Jhikra. He was passing by the area where people blocked the highway which linked the southern and northern parts of the state, Superintendent of Police Mukesh said.
Amid reports that the man died in firing by police, officials claimed that police did not fire. The SP said the cause of death could be ascertained only after post-mortem.

There was no electricity in Jhikra for the last few days and the agitated people started demonstration on NH-34 at around 9.30 AM.
Policemen came to lift the blockade and a clash ensued after talks failed. They resorted to lathi charge and villagers pelted stones, the officials said.
Six policemen were injured in stone throwing and at least four villagers sustained injuries in lathi charge. All of them were admitted to hospital, they said.
The blockade, which continued for around four hours, have put the traffic out of gear. Senior civil and police officers have reached the spot and the situation is under control, officials said.