Minister blames cops for Uttar Pradesh temple violence

Etawah: Uttar Pradesh Minister Shivpal Singh Yadav today blamed police and the PAC for the firing incident at a temple here during Ram Navmi that left three worshippers dead and 35 injured. Had police and PAC taken adequate precautions, the incident at Brahmni Devi temple could have been avoided, the PWD and Irrigation Minister said.[caption id=“attachment_263731” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Rapid Action Force personnel arrive after a clash between two groups in a locality of Gaya on Monday. PTI “]  [/caption] “Before opening fire at devotees, the police and the PAC could have opted for baton charge, firing of teargas shells. Even if they had to open fire it should not have been direct,” Yadav, the local MLA, said. The minister, who met the locals and took stock of the situation, visited houses of the bereaved families. He said a magisterial probe had been ordered into the incident and action would be taken against those found guilty. Uttar Pradesh Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Jagmohan Yadav, who arrived in Etawah along with senior officials from Lucknow, said a thorough probe was on into the matter. The priest of Brahmni Devi temple, Sanjay Misra, said police force was not deployed in adequate strength. On Sunday, two groups of devotees clashed following a dispute over offering prayers at the ancient temple in Balrai area. The violence, in which the two sides also traded fire, left three dead and 35, including some policemen, injured. Police had opened fire to bring the situation under control. PTI