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Tension mounts in Ahmedabad's walled city areas

The prevailing tension in the walled city areas of Ahmedabad took an ugly turn this afternoon when a group of frenzied people immolated a man in the Gheekanta area, as police fired three teargas shells in a bid to control the situation.

According to city police control room sources, an irate mob set afire a man in the Gheekanta area after dousing him with kerosene. He was immediately rushed to the Vadilal Hospital where the sources reported the condition of the patient as stable and out of danger. The rioters also pelted stones at others and set ablaze a few shops.

Top police officials rushed to the trouble-torn area as violence threatened to spread further. Already, it had enveloped areas like Mirzapur, Shahpur and Gomtipur.

This was the third major incident during the last one week. Two persons have succumbed to stabbing injuries during the period. So far, about 20 people had been injured in different incidents of stabbing and stone-throwing, including six policemen.

The chief minister, who held a high-level meeting yesterday, directed officials to take stern action against those persons who indulged in violence, irrespective of the caste or religion they belonged to. Police had stepped up vigil in sensitive areas, sources said, adding the situation was now under control.

The government has also decided to summon the Rapid Action Force from Bombay and to issue shoot-at-sight orders in the worst-affected areas.

UNI

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