Under the watch of a passive district administration and security personnel, Bharatiya Janata Party debutante Varun Gandhi rode a saffron wave into Pilibhit and surrendered at the district court on Saturday.
The court sent him to judicial custody till March 30, till when the prosecution sought time to reply to Gandhi's bail petition. As Varun was being taken to the jail quarters, which is a mere 500 metres across the road from the district court, his supporters clashed with the police and tried to storm the jail premises.
The police opened fire, injuring at least three people. Eyewitnesses said the crowd became unruly after a policeman allegedly began baton charging the crowd to create space for the vehicle carrying Gandhi to jail.
Text and Photographs: Krishnakumar P
Image: Varun Gandhi waves to his supporters and entourage on the way to court in Pilibhit.
Also see: Family legacy and the Varun effect