M A I N   N E W S

Army out in Maharashtra town
Toll in police firing on anti-US protesters rises to 7

Malegaon, October 27
The Army was out in tensed Malegaon today, a day after the police opened fire on violent anti-US protesters angry at American strikes on Afghanistan.

The death toll from yesterday’s police firing has reached seven.

Meanwhile, as many as 125 persons have been arrested for their alleged involvement in yesterday’s riot in Malegaon.

District Collector Kishore Gajbhiye said the Army and the police today staged a route march.

Three Army columns comprising 240 jawans were rushed to the town this morning, considering its vulnerability and sensitivity, besides the presence of a large number of State Reserve Police (SRP).

Violence broke out yesterday following the SRP’s seizure of pamphlets calling for a boycott of American-marketed goods from youths coming out from Jama Masjid after Friday prayers.

The police opened fire as its use of batons and teargas failed to control the swelling violent crowd.

Violence then spread to other parts of the town as large-scale incidents of arson and looting occurred in areas such as Kidwai Road, Peri Road Chowk, Satana Road, Mausum Bridge, Mohammed Ali Road, Kusumba Road and the Islampura area, the police said.

Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, meanwhile, reviewed the situation in Mumbai at a meeting of top police officials, which was attended by Director-General of Police Subhash Malhotra, Additional Chief Secretary Ashok Basak and Mumbai Police Commissioner M.N. Singh. UNI, PTI