Amethi: Constable killed after royals' family dispute turns violent

At least 18 persons have been detained after a constable was killed and six persons were injured in a clash here between the alleged supporters of Anant Vikram Singh, the son of Congress MP Sanjay Singh, and police.

“We have detained 18 persons involved in the clash and prohibitory orders have been clamped in the area. Videography of the entire incident was done and after going through the footage, action will be initiated against those involved,” said Superintendent of Police, Hiralal.

According to police, the clash took place earlier on Sunday as Anant Vikram’s supporters gathered outside ‘Bhoopati Bhawan’, the Singhs’ ancestral house, after hearing that the Congress MP and his wife Amita were to arrive in Amethi.

Anant Vikram occupies the residence with his mother and Sanjay Singh’s first wife, Garima. Sanjay Singh and his second wife Amita are locked in a dispute over the ancestral house with Anant Vikram and Garima.

The Congress MP -- who has been given Y-category security -- has reached with Amita and District Magistrate Jagatraj Tripathi said he cannot be prevented from entering Bhoopati Bhavan as it “is his (Sanjay Singh’s) house”. 

Talking about the clash, Additional Superintendent of Police, Munnalal, said that constable Vijay Mishra, 45, who was posted at Amethi police station, died after sustaining a bullet injury in firing by the irate group. He added that six persons were injured in the clash.

Police had to resort to a lathicharge and fired teargas shells and rubber bullets to control the mob, Munnalal added. Elaborate security arrangements have now been put in place and adequate numbers of police and central forces deployed at the spot to prevent any further disturbance.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has condoled the death of the constable and extended compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the bereaved family.

Image: Police gather around the Amethi palace as the crowd turns violent. Photograph: ANI/Twitter